The Importance of Effective Predevelopment Plate Washing Techniques in Thin-Layer Chromatography

Abstract
Comparative studies were made of the two methods commonly used for predevelopment TLC plate cleaning. In separate studies TLC plates were washed by the two methods: ascending development and dip washing using several solvent and solvent combinations. Residues remaining on the surface of plates after washing were visualized by fluorescence techniques and scanned by densitometry. Evaluation of the two washing methods showed that plate dipping gave superior results in every case over ascending development. The most effective solvent for predevelopment TLC plate washing was found to be methanol.