All developing solvent components were reagent grade (Merck). Liquid compositions are given by volume. Solutions of sulphonamides (0.1% w/v) in acetone were used as standards. A coloured substance, 4-nitroaniline, was used as a reference compound.
TLC apparatus and proceduresSilica Gel GF 254 (Merck) was used as adsorbent -30g/60ml of demineralised water to prepare 5 plates, 20x20cm, for a layer thickness of 0.25mm. After spreading (Desaga apparatus) the plates were air dried for 15min, heated for 30min at 110°C in an oven with a fan, then cooled and stored in a desiccator. Samples, 3µg, were applied to the plates and dried with the aid of a cold air blower, 2.5cm from the lower edge of the plate and 1cm apart. For VP-TLC strips of the gel, 0.5cm wide at the sides and the lower edge, were removed from the plates. After spotting, the plates were left in the ambient atmosphere for at least 15min to ensure water vapour adsorption in equilibrium with the ambient relative humidity. A VP-chamber (manufactured by Desaga) (Scheme 1) was used for development, while normal tank chambers (N-chambers, Shandon) were used as controls. N-chambers are cuboids twin-trough chambers. The trough chamber was made of rolled brass and the troughs were directly milled out. The top surface of the trough chamber was also milled to obtain a completely flat surface. After milling, the trough chamber and the other brass parts are Ni-and Cr-plated. Brass was chosen to ensure sufficient thermo conductivity. A space of 1mm was needed between the trough chamber and the solvent reservoir to prevent disappearance of solvent by capillary action between these parts. Troughs in the VP-chamber (Scheme 1) were each filled with about 5ml of the appropriate liquid mixture, and then the plate was fixed in position. After a 10min equilibrium period, the solvent reservoir (40cmx1cmx2cm) was filled with 25ml of developing solvent. N-chambers contained 100ml of developing solvent and were saturated with solvent vapour by lining the walls with filter paper. After 45-60min the plate was introduced and development started. The developing solvent was allowed to run 16cm beyond the starting point, whereas in VP-TLC continuous development was used for the time given in minutes. All experiments were carried out at 21±1°C at a relative humidity of 27-41%. Within this range the separations were reproducible.
Detection and photographyDetection was carried out in UV light of 254nm (Camag, Universal lamp), followed by photography under two such lamps on Agfacolor CT 18 diapositive film with an Asahi Pentax type SV camera with 49mm UV ghostless filter. Exposure was 3sec, distance 70cm and aperture 5.6.