The analysis of some primary, secondary and tertiary aliphatic amines by thin-layer chromatography

Abstract

For the detection of primary, secondary and tertiary aliphatic amines, nine amine hydrobromides were examined by silicagel thin-layer chromatography. Silicagel was used as an adsorbent containing a fluorescence indicator(Wakogel B-5F). Two solvent systems were used as the developers; butanol-acetic acid-water (4 : 1: 5) and phenol-water(8 : 3). After development, primary aliphatic amines were detected by visualizing under ultraviolet rays(3660 Å). These amines appeared as yellowish green spots on dark background. Secondary and tertiary aliphatic amines were detected by spraying with a 0.05% solution of 2', 7'-dichloro-fluorescein in ethanol and then visualizing under ultraviolet rays. They appeared as yellow spots on a yellow green background.