New HPTLC method, with systematic mobile-phase optimization, for determination of six apolar heterocyclic aromatic amines

A new HPTLC method has been established for separation and quantification of six given apolar, fluorescent pyrolytic heterocyclic aromatic amines (HA) of the carboline group. The mobile phase was selected by using a practical and systematic four-level optimization scheme based on the solvent classification system according to Snyder and the PRISMA model of Nyiredy et al. The amines were separated on silica gel 60 F 254 HPTLC plates by a multiple development with diethyl ether. Quantification by fluorescence measurement at lambda = 366/>400 nm was performed immediately after development. Limits of detection were in the low-nanogram range. The results show that modern planar chromatography is a rapid and cost-efficient alternative method for determination of HA. The method is suitable for both screening and quantification.