Methods for the isolation and characterization of constituents of natural products: III. Separation of alcohol esters of pyruvic acid 2,6-dinitrophenylhydrazone into classes by column and thin-layer chromatography

Abstract

Quantitative column and qualitative thin-layer chromatographic procedures are described for separating a mixture of the 2,6-dinitrophenylhydrazone derivatives of pyruvic acid esters of primary, secondary, and tertiary aliphatic alcohols into classes. Magnesium oxide is used as the adsorbent in both procedures and separation of the classes follows a similar pattern. The derivatives change color from yellow to violet or blue on the adsorbent. Tertiary alcohol derivatives above butyl show a blue color whereas tertiary butyl and the primary and secondary alcohol derivatives are violet. Isomeric derivatives can also be separated by thin-layer chromatography on aluminum oxide G by using a solvent system containing a strong organic base.