How Does TLC Compare to HPTLC

The chemical methods of TLC and HPTLC are used to separate non-volatile complex mixtures. The main distinction between TLC and HPTLC is that TLC plates have big absorbent particles, whereas HPTLC plates have very minute absorbent particles. The term TLC stands for thin-layer chromatography. HPTLC stands for high-performance thin-layer chromatography, which is a more sophisticated technology than TLC.

Introduction to TLC

Thin layer chromatography, or TLC, is a fundamental chemical method for separating non-volatile components in a mixture. This experiment is done with glass, plastic, or paper sheets. A thin coating of cellulose or silica gel is applied on this sheet (an adsorbent material). The stationary phase of TLC refers to this thin layer. The TLC plate is the name for the sheet.

On the TLC plate, a baseline and a topline are drawn with a pencil prior to the experiment. A capillary tube is then used to spot the sample along this line. The TLC plate is then put vertically in the mobile phase. A solvent is put in a container as the mobile phase.

The TLC plate can continue in the mobile phase for a while. The mobile phase then climbs up the plate due to capillary action over time. If the sample dissolves in the mobile phase, it will rise with it.

This TLC technique is based on the “like dissolves like” concept. This means that polar chemicals dissolve in polar solvents and nonpolar compounds in nonpolar solvents. The stationary phase is commonly a polar substance such as silica gel or cellulose. A nonpolar solvent, such as hexane, is utilised as the mobile phase.

As a result, if the sample contains any unsaturated components, they will migrate upward with the mobile phase. Polar parts will adhere to the plate. Moderately nonpolar chemicals will move slowly, but highly nonpolar compounds will migrate swiftly among the moving components. The plate is removed and allowed to dry until the solvent front has reached the top line of the TLC plate.

Applications of TLC

• Natural products such as essential oils, waxes, and alkaloids can all be identified using thin layer chromatography.
• It’s a common method for separating multi-component pharmaceutical compositions.
• It is used to purify any sample and perform a direct comparison between the sample and the original sample.
• Colours, sweetening agents, and preservatives are separated and identified using in the food sector.
• It’s a common ingredient in cosmetics.
• It’s used to see if a response is finished.

Introduction to HPTLC

The improved version of thin layer chromatography is HPTLC, or high-performance thin layer chromatography (TLC). HPTLC has a high level of resolution and precision. The majority of this technique’s processes can be automated. The fundamental method of thin layer chromatography may be improved by automating the numerous processes, increasing the resolution gained, and allowing more precise quantitative measurements.

The plates used in HPTLC have very minute silica gel particles and a high packing density of the gel on the plate. The plate’s surface is smooth and provides effective separation. The procedure is quicker than the TLC method. This approach also has a high sensitivity. HPTLC allows many samples to be segregated in the same plate without the need for sample preparation.

Applications of HPTLC

• Time to analyse quickly.
• Sample preparation is simple.
• Several samples can be performed and analysed simultaneously.
• There is no clean-up and no cross-contamination with a single-use plate.
• For the mobile phase, a wider range of solvents can be used.
• It is a low-cost and ecologically friendly approach since it uses less solvent than TLC and HPLC.
• Following the development, several detections may be performed on a single plate.
• Both chemical and biological analyses are possible.
• A visual method that facilitates understanding.

HPTLC vs TLC

Conclusion

The improved type of TLC is HPTLC. The main difference between TLC and HPTLC is that TLC plates can be composed of paper, plastic, or glass and are coated with a large-particle adsorbent substance, whereas HPTLC plates have very minute adsorbent particles.