A New Paper Chromatography Solvent for Amino-Acids

Abstract

PHENOL and collidine have remained the most widely used pair of solvents for two-dimensional paper chromatography of amino-acids since their introduction by Consden, Gordon and Martin¹. The use of the latter solvent, however, is attended by certain disadvantages such as double spots and haloes², an offensive smell and possible toxic effects^3,4 and, in some countries, difficulty of supply. Alternative solvents have been suggested, for example, butanol – acetic acid⁵, acetone – water² and pyridine – amyl alcohol⁶. Some defects of the latter system have recently been reported⁷.