Advantages and Disadvantages of Thin Layer Chromatography

Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) is an analytical technique of separation which is used to qualitative analysis and observes the reaction of complex mixtures of analytes and also for identifying the unknown compounds. It is also significant to determine the right solvent system with which to implement in the column chromatography.
Advantages of Thin Layer Chromatography:

• This is a very easy way to separate the components.
• TLC is a sensitive method.
• In comparison to other separation techniques, very few types of equipment are used. The components are separated in a very short time because the components will elute rapidly.
• It is feasible to visualize all components of UV light.
• The non-volatile compounds are separated by the TCL method.
• The only small sample size is required in TLC, and it can be in microlitre.
• A comparison with standard material, tentative identification is possible.
• The components there in the complex mixture of samples are able to easily separate and recovered by scratching the plate.

Disadvantages of Thin Layer Chromatography:

• There is a no longer stationary are available in TCL plates Therefore, its separation length is insufficient in comparison to other chromatographic techniques.
• Results obtained from TLC are difficult to reproduce.
• Only soluble components of the mixtures are possible.
• Only qualitative analysis is possible, not quantitative.
• Usually, it is not automatic.
• TCL works in the open system, therefore, due to temperature and humidity can affect the results.

👩‍🔬 If you want to know other articles similar to Advantages and Disadvantages of Thin Layer Chromatography you can visit the HPLC