Image Analysis as a Tool for Understanding Quantitative Analysis in Chromatography

Abstract

A new undergraduate thin-layer chromatography laboratory experiment devoted to quantitative determination of disulfiram in Anticol formulation is presented. The proposed activity can be a part of a chromatographic methods of analysis course as well as a general chemistry course. To carry out a quantitative analysis, an image analysis technique was used, namely, combination of a flatbed scanner and appropriate software. This simple and cheap experiment shows new possibilities of implementing quantitative TLC analysis into the student laboratory. The pedagogical goals of this experiment were evaluated through the observation of students' work in laboratory and their final reports following the exercise. The presented exercise was successfully completed by third-year analytical chemistry students. The experiment integrates laboratory manual practice with other skills such as usage of the spreadsheet (e.g., Excel) for mathematical calculations and proper reasoning based on the results.