Stains for developing TLC plates, the stain list
STAINS FOR DEVELOPING TLC PLATES Once a TLC has been developed, it is frequently necessary to aid in the visualization of the components of a reaction mixture. This is true primarily because most organic compounds are colorless. Frequently, the organic compounds of interest contain a chromophore which may be visualized by employing either a short or a long wave UV lamp. Typical examples of functional groups which may be visualized through this method are aromatic groups, 𝜶,𝜷-unsaturated carbonyls, and any other compounds containing extensively 𝞹-conjugated systems. While exposing these TLC plates to UV light, you will notice that the silica gel will fluoresce, while any organic molecule which absorbs UV light will appear as a dark blue spot. Circling these spots gently with a dull pencil will permit an initial method for visualization. Fortunately, there are a number of permanent or semi-permanent methods for visualization which will not only allow one
