ABSTRACT
This chapter describes selected applications of classical and modern Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) to the forensic analysis of designer drugs including the materials, techniques, and instruments used as described in each of the publications. Thin-layer chromatography and high-performance TLC are major analytical methods used in the analysis of bulk drugs and pharmaceutical products. Preparative layer chromatography usually involves separation of a larger sample load on a thicker layer compared to analytical TLC, and elution of the compound from the scraped sorbent with an appropriate solvent for analysis. P. Lillsunde and P. Korte developed a simple and selective comprehensive identification system using TLC for screening, and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry for confirmation. In addition to the online TLC-desorption electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry procedure designer drugs were analyzed in two papers by TLC-easy ambient sonic spray ionization mass spectrometry.
