Fluorescence enhancement of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons separated on silica gel high-performance thin-layer chromatography plates

Three fluorescence enhancing reagents, dodecane, Triton X-100 and Fomblin Y-Vac, were evaluated for their ability to enhance the fluorescence response of a series of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) separated by silica gel HPTLC. The dependence of the fluorescence enhancement ratio on reagent concentration, reagent type and time between dipping and plate screening is discussed. Spot broadening was studied as a function of time. Fomblin Y-Vac was found to be most useful.