Separation and identification of synthetic dysstuffs by thin-layer electrophoresis and its application in the forensic analysis of liquors

Summary The excessive demand for alcoholic drinks has resulted in the preparation of fakes and created a problem for their identification. Dyestuffs have been added to alcoholic liquors and the separation of these dyestuff mixtures into their various components has been the subject of study by thin-layer electrophoretic techniques on silica gel-G plantes. 10 dyestuffs commonly used in liquors and beverages have been resolved into their components. The migration distances of the separated coloured zones in five electrolytes, either basic or acidic, have been recorded. The technique was found to be particularly suitable for distinguishing fake samples from genuine ones.