Analysis of Quaternary Ammonium Compounds by Ion-Pair Thin Layer Chromatography on Silica Gel

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Abstract
A general approach to the chromatographic analysis of quaternary ammonium compounds on silica gel thin layers is described. The quaternary cations migrate as ion pairs with bromide or iodide as counter ions. Methanol or chloroform-methanol mixtures serve as developing solvents, in which excess amounts of NaBr or NaI are dissolved. If the solvent cannot dissolve sufficient quantities of halide salts, the latter can be sprayed onto the plate as a methanol solution prior to development. The separation patterns of the quaternary ammonium compounds can be influenced by the choice of counter ion and by the choice of the organic solvent components.