Separation of forskolin derivatives by automated multiple development high-performance thin-layer chromatography

An optimized gradient enabling the separation and quantification of eleven forskolin derivatives by automated multiple development on high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) plates is presented. The HPTLC development uses a 25-step gradient with a polarity range of methylene chloride-methanol to hexane and detection by chlorosulfonic acid reagent, Multiple correspondence analysis has allowed correlation of the molecular structures of forskolin derivatives (with hydroxyl substitutions) to the migration distance. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.