Thin-layer chromatographic specification and separation of Cu(1+), Cu(2+), Ni(2+), and Co(2+) cations.

The M(PyDTC)(2) (M: Cu, Co, or Ni) and CuPyDTC complexes, prepared by reactions of ammonium pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate with metal nitrates, are examined for qualitative analysis, speciation, and mutual separation using thin-layer chromatography systems. These complexes and their mixtures are spotted to the activated and non-activated thin layers of silica gel 60GF(254) (Si-60GF(254)) with a 250-microm thickness. Toluene-dichloromethane mixtures (4:1, 1:1, 1:4 v/v) are used as mobile phases for running of the complexes. All of these chromatographic systems are successfully used for speciation of Cu(2+) and Cu(1+) cations. The best analytical separation for the qualitative analysis of corresponding metal cations and mutual separation of components in M(PyDTC)(2) and CuPyDTC complexes are obtained when using pure toluene-dichloromethane (1:1 v/v) on the activated layer. This study shows that it is possible to qualitatively analyze and satisfactorily separate a mixture of Cu(1+), Cu(2+), Ni(2+), and Co(2+) cations on cited chromatographic systems. These results may be also said for the adaptability or validity on column chromatography.

Acid modified diatomaceous earth--a sorbent material for thin layer chromatography.

Natural diatomaceous earth (DE) is modified by flux calcination and refluxing with acid. To characterize natural DE, modified DE's [flux calcinated (FC)DE and FCDE-I] and silica gel 60GF(254) (Si-60GF(254)) are analyzed microscopically, physically, and chemically by various techniques. FCDE-I and Si-60GF(254) are investigated for their usefulness in the stationary phase of thin layer chromatography (TLC) both individually and in composition. Sodium diethyldithiocarbamate (DEDTC) and ammonium pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate (PyDTC) are prepared as Co or Cu (M) complexes [M(DEDTC)(2) and M(PyDTC)(2), respectively]. These complexes and their mixtures are run on thin layers of Si-60GF(254) and FCDE-I individually, and on various FCDE-I and Si-60GF(254) mixtures. Pure toluene and various toluene-cyclohexane mixtures (3:1, 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, v/v) are used as mobile phases for the running the complexes. The best analytical separations of both M(DEDTC)(2) and M(PyDTC)(2) complexes are obtained when using pure toluene and toluene-cyclohexane (3:1, 1:1, v/v) as mobile phases on FCDE-I-Si-60GF(254) (1:3, 1:1, w/w) layers as stationary phases. This study shows that it is possible to qualitatively analyze and to satisfactorily separate a mixture Cu(2+) and Co(2+) cations on cited chromatographic systems.

Modified Diatomaceous earth as a principal stationary phase component in TLC.

Modified natural diatomaceous earth (DE) is a principal component of the stationary phase in normal thin-layer chromatography (TLC) applications and is mixed with commercial silica gel 60GF254 (Si-60GF254). Modification is carried out by flux calcination and refluxing with acid. Natural DE, modified DEs [flux calcinated (FC)DE and FCDE-I), and Si-60GF254 are characterized by scanning electron microscopy and Fourier-transform-IR spectroscopy. Particle size, specific surface area, pore distribution, pore volume, and surface hydroxyl group density parameters of materials are determined by various techniques. FCDE-I and Si-60GF254 are investigated for their usefulness in the stationary phase of TLC both individually and in composition. Commercially available red and blue ink samples are run on layers of Si-60GF254 and FCDE-I individually, and on various FCDE-I and Si-60GF254 mixtures. Butanol-ethanol-2M ammonia (3:1:1, v/v) and butanol-acetic acid-water (12:3:5, v/v) mixtures are used as mobile phases. The polarities of stationary phases decrease, and the retention factor (Rf) values of ink components increase when the FCDE-I content of the stationary phase increases. The properties of the stationary phase can be optimized by adding FCDE-I to Si-60GF254. This study may be useful in understanding both the systematic effects of stationary phase properties [e.g., specific surface area and surface hydroxyl group density, aOH(s)] and those of the mobile phase (e.g., polarity and acidity) on Rf values and the separability of components.