There are two common methods in the introductory organic lab used to view developed TLC plates -- UV light and iodine staining. Seen below is a protective viewer for examing slides under ultraviolet (UV) light. The UV technique is easy, quick and nondestructive, but the plate can only be examined while in the viewer.
Using Ultraviolet Light
- Properly develop a TLC plate.
- After the developing solvent has completely evaporated, place the slide in the UV viewer. Make sure that the protective apron is fully covering the opening to the viewing chamber. While UV light is not extremely harmful, the less radiation, the better. Any outside light will also make it increasingly difficult to see your sample.
- Make sure that the light source is plugged in. Turn the power on via the switch on the power cord. Select either longer or shorter UV wavelengths via the labeled buttons on the light source. Once the light is on, you should be able to feel a buzzing from the active source.
- Peer into the viewer to examine your plate. It might be easier to do this after removing your splash goggles.
