Retention factor and component profile
conventional TLC
Material Analysis · Chromatography & Diagnostics
Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC)
Characterise retention factor and component profile, class fraction or purity, and semi-quantitative or calibrated component amount using a scope agreed around your sample and decision.
- Price
- from£120 per sample, excl. VAT
- Turnaround
- 7 working days Preparation and scope dependent
- Available platforms
- CAMAG HPTLC PRO
- Typical outputs
- Developed plate or rod chromatogramRf values and component imagesClass fractions or densitometric/FID quantificationProcessed chromatogram or spectrum
Why this service
What TLC can help you understand
Thin Layer Chromatography is selected when the project needs defensible information on retention factor and component profile, class fraction or purity, or semi-quantitative or calibrated component…
Class fraction or purity
HPTLC with automated application/development
Semi-quantitative or calibrated component amount
TLC-FID
Choose the scope
Start from the question, not the tool
The method, preparation route and reporting depth depend on what you need to decide.
Conventional TLC
retention factor and component profile
- Best used when
- retention factor and component profile
- Typical result
- Developed plate or rod chromatogram
- Preparation note
- State the substrate, nominal thickness and whether sectioning or mounting is permitted.
HPTLC with automated application/development
class fraction or purity
- Best used when
- class fraction or purity
- Typical result
- Rf values and component images
- Preparation note
- Declare volatility, corrosivity, suspended solids and any storage or temperature requirement.
TLC-FID
semi-quantitative or calibrated component amount
- Best used when
- semi-quantitative or calibrated component amount
- Typical result
- Class fractions or densitometric/FID quantification
- Preparation note
- Confirm power, connections, operating state, access restrictions and permitted disassembly.
Common outputs
A result package matched to the decision you need to make
Fields, conditions, processing and file formats are confirmed before work begins.
Developed plate or rod chromatogram reported with the agreed units, sample reference and measurement conditions.
Rf values and component images supplied in a labelled format suitable for direct sample or condition comparison.
Class fractions or densitometric/FID quantification provided with the processing basis and quality checks agreed during technical review.
Processed chromatogram or spectrum included when selected in the confirmed reporting scope.
Example results
What TLC results can look like
The plot shows thin-layer chromatography on silica gel (0.25 mm, F254, Merck) eluted with CHCl 3 /MeOH/H 2 O (65.
Kaloyan Berberov et al. · source · CC BY
The plot shows tLC chromatogram of extracts from S. platyphylla (SP4a, SP4b, and SP4c) and standards.
Research source · source · CC BYSample requirements
What to provide before work begins
Provide representative, clearly labelled samples and identify the decision, feature or comparison that matters.
| Suitable sample | Submission requirement | Planning note |
|---|---|---|
| Film / coating | Provide the coated substrate or a flat film with the test surface and coating side clearly marked. | State the substrate, nominal thickness and whether sectioning or mounting is permitted. |
| Liquid / solution | Provide a sealed, compatible container labelled with composition, concentration and solvent. | Declare volatility, corrosivity, suspended solids and any storage or temperature requirement. |
| Device / assembly | Provide a complete labelled device or assembly with drawings, interfaces and operating limits. | Confirm power, connections, operating state, access restrictions and permitted disassembly. |
| Solid / component | Provide a clean, stable and clearly labelled specimen with the target face or region identified. | Confirm dimensions, cutting permission and whether the original geometry must be preserved. |
Objective: state the decision, comparison or acceptance criterion the work must support.
Handling and access: declare hazards, instability, confidentiality, file constraints or special logistics before dispatch or transfer.
Questions and answers
Common planning decisions
Short answers to issues that can change preparation, scope, timing or interpretation.
What should I send for Thin Layer Chromatography?
Provide film / coating, liquid / solution, device / assembly, solid / component as applicable. Exact quantity, dimensions and preparation are confirmed during technical review.
Which analysis option should I choose?
Choose the mode around the decision you need to make. For retention factor and component profile, start with conventional TLC; add HPTLC with automated application/development when comparison or quantification is required.
How long will the test take?
Typical turnaround is 7 working days after sample acceptance and method confirmation.
What can limit the result?
Resolution and quantification are generally lower than HPLC/GC. Rf values depend strongly on plate, solvent, humidity, and development conditions.
Configure the service
Send the information needed to scope TLC correctly
- Sample form, material, dimensions and quantity
- Feature or decision the result must address
- Required comparison, acceptance criterion or reference
- Preferred output and reporting depth