Tetracyclines I Separation and examination by thin-layer chromatography

Abstract

A thin-layer chromatographic (TLC) method for the examination of tetracyclines has been developed. This technique provides a rapid means for the separation and identification of tetracyclines and their derivatives in a wide variety of mixtures. Acid-washed diatomaceous earth served as the support. The support was treated with a buffer consisting of 0.1 M ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid disodium salt (EDTA) at pH 7.0, glycerin, and polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG 400). The developing solvent was ethyl acetate saturated with 0.1 M EDTA at pH 7.0. While the work reported was limited to demethylchlortetracycline (DMCTC), tetracycline (TC), and chlortetracycline (CTC), it has also been successfully used with other tetracyclines. A thin-layer chromatographic (TLC) method for the examination of tetracyclines has been developed. This technique provides a rapid means for the separation and identification of tetracyclines and their derivatives in a wide variety of mixtures. Acid-washed diatomaceous earth served as the support. The support was treated with a buffer consisting of 0.1 M ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid disodium salt (EDTA) at pH 7.0, glycerin, and polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG 400). The developing solvent was ethyl acetate saturated with 0.1 M EDTA at pH 7.0. While the work reported was limited to demethylchlortetracycline (DMCTC), tetracycline (TC), and chlortetracycline (CTC), it has also been successfully used with other tetracyclines.