Chromatostrip analysis of fatty acid derivatives

Chromatostrips provide a rapid and convenient method of examination of samples by spot tests and by ascending or descending chromatography. Ascending chromatography for the examination of mixtures is carried out on 12ȕ140-mm. glass strips coated with 5% starch-bonded silicic acid, while descending chromatography is done on 12ȕ200-mm. strips. The 5% starch-bonded silicic acid coatings are resistant to normal handling, may be marked with a soft lead pencil, and may be stored indefinitely for reference. Three detection systems are employed: fluorescent minerals for conjugated unsaturates, fluorescein-bromine for unsaturates, and 2艂,7艂-dichlorofluorescein for all types of compounds. Positive tests result in characteristic spots when observed under normal or ultraviolet illumination. This permits the classification of components, after separation on the chromatostrips, into the groupings of conjugated unsaturated, unsaturated (or easily brominated), and saturated compounds.