How to perform thin layer chromatography in the chemistry lab

The Interactive Lab Primer (ILP) has been developed as part of the Royal Society of Chemistry Teacher Fellowship Scheme, one of the themes of the Chemistry for Our Future program, and initiative which aims to secure a strong and sustainable future for the chemical sciences in higher education. The aim of the ILP is to address the diverse range of experience and skills students bring with them to a university by offering a resource to support their transition from school to the university chemistry laboratory. The ILP is quite simply a visual guide to common laboratory techniques.

This video tutorial will teach you how to perform thin layer chromatography in the chemistry lab. Chromatography is a versatile technique used to separate compounds in a mixture. It relies on differences in interaction of molecules with a solvent system (the mobile phase) and a solid or gel known as the stationary phase. There are two main types of chromatography carried out in the lab; Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) and Column Chromatography. The 'Retention Factor' of a compound is a measure of how far it has moved up a plate under certain conditions and it is can be use a quick way of identification. Differences in Retention Factors are important when considering solvent systems for Column Chromatography.

Always make yourself aware of the hazards associated with the chemicals involved in a practical before you even start. If you ever come across a chemical you do not know the hazard of you must assume that is very hazardous until you find otherwise.