Thin layer chromotography

[jaques]

Can anyone explain thin layer chromotography? I can't understand what the example is saying in the heineman textbook about the plate and the sample, i haven't a clue of what they are tryin to say.
If someone could help it would really be appreciated 

[TrueTears]

Basically in TLC, you have a stationary phase such as : Glass/metal sheet covered in a thin layer of absorbent material e.g. Silica gel, where different components in the sample can adsorb to. Then you also have a mobile phase which would separate the components of a mixture along a stationary phase.

You place the sample on what is known as the 'origin' and wait for the different components to separate along the stationary phase.

The value is equal to (the solvent front is the furthest place where the mobile phase 'climbs' up to) (Note: the value will always be smaller or may equal to 1)

The value can be varied according to:

•   Differing polarities of components in a mixture and hence differing solubilities
•   Separation of the mixture by components adsorbing onto the stationary phase, and desorbing into the mobile phase where it will be swept along the stationary phase.
•   Greater desorption implies a greater distance moved along the stationary phase.

[Dark Horse]

Its just like paper chromatography, except it is more sensitive, precise and can analyse less polar substances.