Differential scanning calorimetry as a tool for obtaining quantitative data on thin layer chromatrography

An analytical method for the quantitative determination of some aminoacids is proposed. The analysis is carried out in two steps. The first is based on a thin layer chromatographic separation (TLC) which is realized on alumina and allows the aminoacids to be separated. The second is based on an application of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), by which it is possible to characterize and determine the amount of the compound contained in each spot, after having removed from the plate the layer corresponding to the spot. This is put in the sample capsule of the differential scanning calorimeter, while the reference capsule is filled with an identical weight of the sample-free aluminium oxide from the same TLC plate. The DSC signal is proportional to the quantity of the sample present in the spot.