The radial thin layer chromatography (RTLC) is a chromatographic method for the simple, rapid and efficient separation of samples from the center along the radial direction. Simple device was assembled to separate the alkaloids contented in Zhusha Anshen Pills (ZSASP). Based on the theory of thin layer chromatography, the test was designed to compare the separation efficiency of radial chromatography and general thin layer chromatography. The RTLC is faster, more efficient, more economical, and more suitable for the separation of high polar samples like alkaloids as proved. The theoretical root of the high separation efficiency of radial thin layer method was explored, which also provided new methods and ideas for theoretical innovation.
Keywords: alkaloids; data fitting; plane chromatography; radial thin layer chromatography (RTLC); separation efficiency; test design verification.