Thin Layer Chromatography

TLC Intro

Here you will find some experiments in thin layer chromatography of mehdma samples. The information should be relevant to magic samples as well, and also to other forms of chromatography.

Please note that the content here, at the time of writing, is by a beginner in TLC so do not expect it to be definitive.

Preparation

Two preparations have been tested:

• Salt version: salt dissolved in isopropanol 10mg per ml, plus a small amount of ammonia (possibly not necessary). Takes a long time to dissolve
• Freebased mehdma, dissolved in DCM, 10mg per ml (minus losses in freebasing procedure)

TLC systems

• System 1: ethyl acetate : Methanol : Water : Ammonia as 95 : 3.5 : 1.5 : 0.75
• System 2: DCM : Methanol : Ammonia as 90 : 9 : 1

Results

TLC: Freebase mehdma (dissolved in DCM) sample, with system of DCM : Methanol : Ammonia as 90 : 9 : 1