Quantitative thin-layer chromatography by laser pyrolysis flame ionization or electro-capture detection

Abstract

A new quantitation method, laser pyrolysis, is demonstrated for thin-layer chromatography (TLC). No spray reagent or “colo” developing process is necessary for detecting any organic compound. A complete analysis including sample introduction, separation and detection takes less than 20 min. Two amino acids, serine and phenylalanine, and two pesticides, p, p-DDT and methoxychlor were used as the test samples. The sensitivity and linearity compare favorably to conventional densitometry. The detection limit for phenylalanine with flame ionization detection was 100 ng and for methoxychlor with electron-capture detection was 20 ng. This technique combines the advantages of the separation power TLC and the broad spectrum of detection methods of gas chromatography.