Thin-layer chromatographic detection of glucocorticoids.

An adsorption thin-layer chromatography (TLC) is described for the detection of glucocorticoids including triamcinolone, prednisolone, 6 alpha-methylprednisolone, betamethasone, dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, prednisone and cortisone. Separation of the glucocorticoids was performed on a silica stationary phase with chloroform-dioxane-methanol (15:4:1, v/v) as a mobile phase. The complete resolution of the epimers of betamethasone and dexamethasone was attained by derivatization of them with (1S)-(-)-camphanic chloride using triethylamine as a catalyst. The application of the method to the analysis of glucocorticoids in various samples is being smoothly developed.