Some Factors Involved in Multiple Spot Formation in the Paper Chromatography of Sympathomimetic Amines in the Presence of Acids*

Abstract

The paper chromatographic behaviour of a variety of amines both alone and in the presence of acids in acidic, neutral and basic running solvents is reported. Using a n-butanol: acetic acid: water solvent, multiple spot formation by several pure sympathomimetic amines was observed in the presence of the stronger organic acids. Many weaker acids affected the amines in a neutral solvent. The results emphasise the need for correct controls and the cautious interpretation of chromatograms of biological extracts since the number of spots produced is not necessarily indicative of the number of bases present.