ABSTRACT
There are two different modes of development of planar chromatograms applied in the practice of preparative layer chromatography (PLC): linear development and radial development. The most popular mode is linear development, in which the mobile phase moves from one edge of the chromatographic plate to the opposite edge, with the adsorbent layer and mobile phase being of constant width (Figure 6.1a). The radial development is broken down into two more modes: circular and anticircular development. If the mobile phase is delivered to the center of the chromatographic plate, or close to it, and moves toward periphery of the adsorbent layer, a circular mobile phase front is formed (Figure 6.1b); this mode of chromatogram development is known as circular development. Mobile phase movement in the opposite direction is observed when the anticircular mode of chromatogram development is applied, from the periphery of the adsorbent layer to its center (Figure 6.1c).
