Optimization of the procedure of solvent front position extraction for preparation of multi-component sample for instrumental analysis.

Solvent Front Position Extraction (SFPE) procedure has been recently introduced as a novel concept for multi-component sample preparation. According to the procedure, thin-layer chromatography (TLC) is used to separate the compounds of interest from matrix components, and to focus them into a common zone from which the compounds are extracted and transferred to apparatus for instrumental analysis. In the paper, we investigate different adsorbent types of the chromatographic plates and various mobile phases, including pH of their buffers, in respect of optimization conditions of the SFPE procedure. The research was carried out using a test sample containing 9 compounds characterised by different chemical properties, hence the conclusions from the obtained results can be applied to other multi-component samples. Under the optimal conditions, all target compounds are separated from other compounds (matrix), and evenly distributed along a narrow strip, which is advantageous for their quantitation. The determination results are good, the percentage values of relative error and relative standard deviation do not exceed 6%.