Paper Chromatographic Separation of Some: Biologically Important Phosphate Esters

Any pair of the group of 11 phosphate esters studied may be separated on a paper chromatogram with one of three solvent mixtures: ethyl acetate – acetic acid – water, methyl Cellosolve – methyl ethyl ketone – ammonia water, ethyl acetate – formamide – pyridine. Separation of the components of more complex mixtures usually requires the use of two-dimensional paper chromatography. Position constants for the individual esters with each of the three solvents are listed, and diagrams showing the type of separation pattern obtained by two-dimensional chromatography of mixtures are presented.