Thin-Layer Chromatography–Flame Ionization Detection

Thin layer chromatography–flame ionization detection (TLC–FID) is a versatile analytical technique that can be used for fast analysis of organic compounds. It has been implemented in past decades for the analysis of lipids and petrochemical products, but rarely in other fields. Despite the improvement in the latest Iatroscan model and the introduction of an automatic programmable sample spotter, this system is still struggling to gain acceptance in universities and major research laboratories. The reason behind this might be a lack of awareness on the potential application of this system to other fields of analytical chemistry. This review presents TLC–FID as a mature and reliable, state of the art technique that combines the separation power of TLC with FID as a universal detector, which can be applied to the analysis of a wide variety of organic compounds. Basic operational procedures and previous literature, including its potential for ultrafast analysis of commercial samples, are discussed in order to create awareness on the potentials of this piece of equipment to other fields.