Difference between Paper and Thin Layer Chromatography

The differences between the paper and thin layer chromatography are due to the following properties like:

• The principle for the particle separation
• Use of stationary phase

The main principle behind the particle separation in the paper chromatography is partition type, whereas in thin layer chromatography it is adsorption type.

Paper chromatography makes the use of cellulose filter paper as the stationary phase. In contrast, thin layer chromatography makes the use of glass plate coated with silica gel as the stationary phase.

Content: Paper Vs Thin Layer Chromatography

1. Comparison Chart
2. What is chromatography
3. Definition
4. Process
5. Key Differences
6. Similarities
7. Conclusion

Comparison Chart

Properties	Paper chromatography	Thin layer chromatography
Principle	Partition chromatography	Absorption chromatography
Preparation time	Less	Comparatively more
Stationary phase	Water present in the pores of cellulose	Glass coated with silica gel
Mobile phase	Hydrophilic mobile phase: Isopropanol: Ammonia: Water Methanol: Water Hydrophobic mobile phase: Dimethyl ether: Cyclohexane Kerosene: Isopropanol	Pyridine, carbon-tetrachloride, acetone, glycerol etc.
Sample requirement	Less amount of sample is required	Comparatively requires little more sample
Heat treatment	Paper cannot be heated in an oven for long time	TLC plate can be heated in an oven for long time
Use of silica gel	It does not use silica gel	It makes the use of silica gel
Separation efficiency	More efficient for polar water soluble compounds.	Efficient for less polar compounds
Physical separation	Physical separation can be done, and it prefers ascending technique	It lacks the physical separation and it prefers descending technique
Use of corrosive reagents	Can’t use	It can be coated with corrosive reagents
Evaluation	Cannot evaluate under the UV-light	Spots can be evaluated under the UV-light
Time	It takes less time for the particle separation	It takes more time for the particle separation
Cost	Cheap	Comparatively costly

What is Chromatography?

It is the analytical method of separating different mixtures of the component from the stationary and mobile phase. In the chromatography technique, the different mixtures of a component will appear as different spots on the adsorbent. The sample moves upward through the capillary action of the mobile phase.

This technique was first introduced in 1903 by the scientist M.S. Tswett. Therefore, chromatography is merely the separation technique that separates the different components of a molecule by making the use of two distinct phases, namely a stationary and mobile phase.

• Mobile phase: It is the carrier or matrix, in which the solvent runs upwards through the stationary phase.
• Stationary phase: It is the adsorbent that stays fixed inside the developing chamber.

Definition of Paper Chromatography

It is the type of Solid-liquid partition chromatography, in which the stationary phase is the cellulose filter paper, and the mobile phase is liquid, where the particles are separated based on their polarity towards both the phases.

Definition of Thin Layer Chromatography

It is the type of Solid-liquid adsorption chromatography, in which the stationary phase is the glass plate coated with the silica gel, and the mobile phase is liquid, where the particles are separated based on their polarity towards both the phases.

Process of Paper Chromatography

It involves the following steps:

1. First, take the sample containing the different mixture, for example (leaf extract).
2. Then, take a piece of cellular filter paper of size having 2.5 cm breadth and 10 cm length.
3. After that, make a line 1.5 cm above from either end of the filter paper, with the help of a pencil.
4. Put a small drop of the sample at the centre of the line.
5. Then, take a non-polar solvent (mobile phase) will move upwards through the capillary action.
6. After that, hang the filter paper in the beaker in such a way that it slightly touches the surface of the solvent and finally cover the beaker with the glass lid for better results.
7. Then, wait for a few minutes to see the separation of a mixture in the form of different spots on a paper.
8. Take out the filter paper, let it dry and note down the readings to calculate the Rf value of each mixture in the sample.

Process of Thin Layer Chromatography

It involves the following steps:

1. Firstly, take a clean glass slide.
2. Then, prepare the adsorbent by making a slurry of silica gel.
3. Make the thin slurry of silica gel and spread it uniformly on the glass plate with the help of a glass rod.
4. After that, give a heat treatment to the glass plates under an oven for 15-20minutes to solidify the silica gel.
5. Then, put a small drop of sample, 1 cm above on either end of a glass plate.
6. Place the glass plate in the developing chamber and cover the glass lid to prevent evaporation.
7. After the solvent run the appropriate distance, note down the Rf values of each spot.

Similarities

• Both paper and thin layer chromatography are having a solid stationary phase.
• Both have the liquid mobile phase.
• The particle separation in both the types is based upon the polarity of the molecules to the stationary and mobile phase.

Conclusion

In this article, we have discussed the differences in properties, differences in the process and the key differences between the paper and thin-layer chromatography. The particles separate over the stationary matrix based on their adsorption to the stationary phase or solubility in the mobile phase.

There will be more attraction of the polar solute towards the polar adsorbent (cellulose and silica gel) and will not move upwards with the less polar solvent. The non-polar solute will attract more towards the less polar solvent, i.e. to the mobile phase and will move upwards by the capillary action.

The different spots will appear after the completion of the chromatograph, after which Rf factor is calculated. Rf factor is also called Retention or Retardation factor. Retention factor is equal to the distance travelled by the component divided by the distance travelled by the solvent.