Sensitive Thin-Layer Chromatography Detection of Boronic Acids Using Alizarin

Abstract

A new method for the selective and sensitive detection of boronic acids on thin-layer chromatography plates is described. The plate is briefly dipped in an alizarin solution, allowed to dry in ambient air, and observed under 366 nm light. Alizarin emits a bright yellow fluorescence only in the presence of a boronic acid.

Key words

boronic acid - TLC - staining reagent - dyes/pigments - fluorescence

• References and Notes

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