Abstract
Thin layer chromatography was applied for the simplified detection of ethylenediamine-tetraacetic acid (EDTA) in foods, and for the separation of EDTA from the interfering substances for its determination, such as α-amino acids.
Spotted sample on the thin layer prepared with cellulose powder (Avicel SF), was developed with a solvent system of n-butanol+glacial acetic acid+water (1:2:2v/v). After development, the thin layer plate was dried and sprayed with glacial acetic acid, cobaltous chloride and hydrogen peroxide. The Rf value of EDTA was about 0.7 and the limit of detection was about 1.5μg.
By use of this method EDTA could be separated from many kinds of α-amino acid, especially aspartic acid which interfered strongly EDTA detection.
