TLC stains

p-Anisaldehyde stain
The solution is prepared by the slow addition of concentrated H2SO4 (20.5 mL) to a mixture of
ethanol (530 mL, 200 proof only) and H2O (28 mL), which, after cooling, is treated with glacial
acetic acid (6.2 mL) and p-anisaldehyde (15.0 mL). The solution should be colorless to very
pale yellow.

CAM stain (Verghn’s)

The reagent is prepared by adding concentrated H2SO4 (40 mL) to water (360 mL) followed by
ammonium molybdate (20 g) and finally ceric ammonium sulfate (0.8 g). The order of addition is
important.

Basic KMnO4
Dissolve KMnO4 (3 g) and K2CO3 (20 g) in NaOH (5% w/v H2O 5 mL) and water (300 mL).

PMA (phosphomolybdic acid)

Dissolve phosphomolybdic acid (5 g) in ethanol (200 proof, 200 mL).

Dragendorff’s reagent
The reagent is prepared by mixing a solution of bismuth subnitrate (0.85 g) in acetic acid (210
mL) and water (350 mL) with a solution of KI (20 g) in water (50 mL).

Iodine
Disperse a few iodine crystals onto a few grams of silica gel in a TLC chamber.

Vanillin
Combine vanillin (27 g) with ethanol (380 mL), concentrated H2SO4 (20 mL) and water (50 mL).
Goes bad quickly, make in small batches.

Iodoplatinate
Combine 5% aq. PtCl2 solution (10 mL) with concentrated HCl (5 mL) and 2% aqueous I– (240
mL).

Peroxide stain
Combine ammonium thiocyanate (NH4SCN, 0.625 g) with iron ammonium sulfate
(Fe(SO4)2(NH4)2, 0.875 g) in water (2.5 mL) and concentrated H2SO4 (0.125 mL).

Schweppes stain
Combine an aqueous solution of glucose (2 g in 20 mL H2O) with an aqueous solution of aniline
(2 mL in 20 mL EtOH) and dilute to 100 mL with n-BuOH.

Author: From Stoltz’s packet.

12/18/2003