Preparative TLC is used for purification and isolation of analytes from impurities on a larger scale than traditional TLC. Prep TLC is a fast, inexpensive, and useful technique for the purification of small quantities of sample. It permits a rapid separation and isolation/recovery of components in a reaction mixture.

What is meant by preparative TLC?

Preparative thin layer chromatography (PTLC) is used to separate and isolate amounts of material larger than are normal for analytical TLC. … In preparative TLC, materials to be separated are often applied as long streaks, rather than spots, in the sample application zone.

What is the difference between preparative and analytical TLC plates?

The main difference between preparative and analytical chromatography is that the main purpose of preparative chromatography is to isolate and purify a reasonable quantity of a specific substance from a sample whereas the main purpose of analytical chromatography is to separate the components of a sample.