A standardized approach to modern high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC)

Planar chromatography (TLC and HPTLC) is affected by many factors. Although one major advantage of the technique, its enormous flexibility, is based on this, the same flexibility easily can become a major obstacle to obtaining reproducible qualitative and quantitative results. Although literature on theoretical aspects and fundamental concepts of TLC is abundant, standardized practical approaches are rather rare. This publication, in the 100th issue of JPC, is an attempt to spark a discussion about an internationally harmonized and standardized approach to modern HPTLC. On the basis of theoretical considerations and practical examples proposals are made which could help increase the reliability and comparability of qualitative and quantitative results obtained by HPTLC. To ensure the survival of planar chromatography as a trustworthy method a pragmatic solution might be an acceptable compromise both for experts and for newcomers to the field.