Thin-layer chromatography of low-molecular epoxy compounds after derivatization with picric acid

Summary Optimum conditions were obtained for the determination of low-molecular epoxides by a method based on derivatization with picric acid and thin-layer chromatography on silica gel. The chromatograms were visualized with solutions of primary, secondary or tertiary amines in acetone. Most of the monoepoxides gave only one spot; diepoxides gave two spots. The detection limits for highly reactive epoxy compounds (derivatization time less than 2 hours) were estimated to be approx. 0.02 μmole.