Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) Abstract This experiment uses the TLC chromatography technique to identify the presence of acetylsalicylic and Acetaminophen in analgesic drugs (Tylenol and Anacin). It was found that the Anacin and acetylsalicylic had very closer Rf values (0.8 and 0.79). The Tylenol and acetaminophen had closer Rf values (0.54 and 0.58). Hence, Acetylsalicylic acid and acetaminophen were present in Anacin and Tylenol tablets respectively. Introduction Chromatography is the technique of separating of mixtures based on their intermolecular forces. It separates according to their adsorption differences. Intermolecular forces make molecules bind on the solid surfaces; this process is referred to as the absorption. A molecule undergoes desorption process when it moves from the solid surface into the solution. The different rates between desorption and adsorption are applied in the chromatography methods for separation of mixtures. In …show more content…
Each grounded drug tabled was transferred into a test tube using a spatula. Each test tube was labeled as Tylenol or Anacin. A 2.5ml of 50:50 mixtures of the methylene chloride and ethanol was added to each test tube. The content of each test tube was thoroughly stirred using a glass rod to ensure maximum extraction. The developing chamber for the TLC plates was prepared by adding ethyl acetate that contained 0.5% acetic acid to the glass jar. The TLC plates were prepared by drawing a horizontal line from bottom margin (0.5cm) where the four spots were placed. Separate small capillary tubes were used to spot solutions of Tylenol, Anacin, acetaminophen and acetylsalicylic acid respectively on the drawn line. The spotted TLC plate was placed in the developing chamber (glass jar) ensuring the solution in the glass jar is below the drawn line, followed by covering the top of the glass jar(Qui, Haixing, and Yusheng