alchemizt
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Staining TLC plates with iodine - Why use silica or sand?
Whats the purpose of mixing iodine crystals with sand or silica or alumina when setting up a chamber to stain TLC plates? Why not just use pure
iodine?
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Boffis
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I suspect its to increase the surface area of exposed iodine to increase the rate of evaporation but you would need to grind the iodine with the
dilutant to disperse it.
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Tsjerk
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Maybe after a couple of uses the iodine unsublimes (that is the opposite of sublime right?) On the sand, making the surface area larger?
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CharlieA
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Quote: Originally posted by alchemizt  | | Whats the purpose of mixing iodine crystals with sand or silica or alumina when setting up a chamber to stain TLC plates? Why not just use pure
iodine? |
Do you have a literature reference that you are following? Thanks
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AvBaeyer
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I have used the I2-silica gel method and it works no better than just some iodine in a jar. I have never quite figured out why the dispersion of
iodine on silica is recommended.
AvB
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