The application of the silica gel partition chromatogram to the estimation of volatile fatty acids

Abstract

Silica -gel [see B. A. 18(3) entry 4201] partition chromatogram with brom-cresol green as indicator, resolved a CHCI3 soln. of formic, acetic, propionic, n-butyric, and n-valeric acids. Propionic, butyric and valeric acids are eluted by a mixture of 1% butanol in CHC13 and acetic acid by 5% butanol. Formic acid is eluted by 20% butanol, which removes most of the indicator so it is best removed before analysis. Columns may be used for several detns.