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What are TLC plates?

Thin layer chromatography (TLC) is a versatile and effective separation technique for both quantitative and qualitative analysis. A TLC plate is a thin layer of a stationary phase coated on a glass, plastic, or aluminum plate to determine the quantity and purity of substances. The process involves a liquid solvent (the mobile phase) that transports the sample across the plate, enabling the distinct separation of its components based on differential adsorption.

Labs choose TLC over other separation techniques for its simplicity, sensitivity, and fast analytical speed.

The appearance of products or the disappearance of reactants can be clearly observed on high quality TLC plates, like our selection from MilliaporeSigma, providing a straightforward indication of reaction progress.

Classical Silica Gel 60 TLC Plates

Classical TLC plates feature a smooth, dense coating of silica gel 60, ensuring chromatographic separations with narrow bands. Available in various materials including aluminum, glass, and plastic, and a wide range of dimensions to suit diverse analytical needs, including versatile multiformat options. Enhanced UV detection is made possible with two types of fluorescent indicators integrated into the plates.

Specialty TLC plates

• Modified silica gel TLC plates for better separation and as a pilot method for HPLC
• Aluminum oxide TLC plates for separation of neutral and basic compounds
• Cellulose TLC plates for the precise analysis of polar substances
• Kieselguhr and mixed layer plates for the separation of polar or moderately polar compounds
• Concentrating zone TLC plates for the application and resolution of large sample volumes
• GLP TLC plates with a unique laser code to aid in documentation and record keeping

HPTLC Plates

HPTLC plates are engineered for reduced band diffusion and tighter chromatographic zones or spots, enhancing the clarity and precision of your analyses. Available in a variety of dimensions and backings, including versatile multiformat options, these plates also come with the choice of two distinct fluorescent indicators to cater to different detection needs.

Classic Silica HPTLC Plates

Designed for rapid and sensitive quantitative analysis of complex samples, suitable for both manual and automated instrumental techniques.

Specialty HPTLC plates

• Modified silica HPTLC plates for challenging separations
• Cellulose HPTLC plates for hydrophilic and polar substance separation
• LiChrospher HPTLC plates are optimized for fast, high-throughput separations
• Premium purity HPTLC plates for contamination-free separations and minimal background
• ProteoChrom HPTLC plates for the analysis of peptides and protein digests
• Concentrating zone HPTLC plates for the application and resolution of large sample volumes
• GLP HPTLC plates with a unique laser code to aid in documentation and record keeping

MS-grade TLC and HPTLC Plates

MS-Grade plates facilitate direct mass spectrometric analysis of samples that have been separated and dried on TLC and HPTLC plates. Following chromatographic separation, MS-Grade TLC plates are compatible with both elution-based and desorption-based TLC-MS techniques. Available with or without fluorescent indicators, these plates offer:

• Trace analysis capabilities in the nanogram range,
• Minimal background signal for enhanced sensitivity,
• Performance on par with standard TLC and HPTLC plates.

Preparative TLC (PTLC) Plates

Preparative TLC plates are designed for the separation and analysis of large sample volumes. Unlike traditional applications where samples are applied as spots, PTLC samples are loaded across the plate as a wide band and are often analyzed using UV detection. After achieving resolution, the separated sample bands can be retrieved by scraping the adsorbent layer off the plate and subsequently eluting it with a potent solvent.

Key features of PTLC plates:

• Availability in both modified and unmodified coating types
• Coating thickness ranges from 0.5 mm to 2 mm
• Options for plates with or without fluorescent indicators

TLC Absorbents

We offer a range of TLC absorbents suitable for different TLC and PLC applications including:

• Different sorbent materials such as silica gel 60, aluminum oxide, or cellulose
• Various grades and particle sizes
• With or without binder material
• With or without the fluorescent indicators

Your TLC plates specialist

Can't find the thin layer chromatography supply you need? Reach out to us! At SECO, we're more than just suppliers; we're your partner in sourcing scientific equipment.

We pride ourselves in providing affordable, high-quality laboratory essentials, backed by fast logistics from our Pennsylvania warehouse. This ensures rapid 1 or 2-day delivery to most of the Eastern USA.

Let us equip your lab with the best scientific equipment and supplies. Because quality results begin with quality tools.