CRITERIA FOR COMPARING AND EVALUATING THE OPTIMIZATION OF SEPARATION IN TLC

Optimization procedures in TLC require unambiguous goals. Optimization criteria express such goals in mathematical terms, If the retardation factor, R(F), varies as a function of the parameters to be optimized criteria should be selected that enable simultaneous optimization of r etention and selectivity. It is demonstrated that the result of an opt imization process depends on the optimization criterion selected, For example, five different criteria are seen to result in five different locations for the optimum. This example will be used to compare the di fferent criteria and to suggest general recommendations for double cri teria simulation systems.