RAPID THIN-LAYER CHROMATOGRAPHIC MICROESTIMATION OF ELEMENTAL SULFUR - APPLICATION TO COMPLEX SULFUR OINTMENTS

Because of its nonpolar character, elemental sulfur can be separated e asily from the components of complex samples and quantitated by thin-l ayer chromatography. Sulfur was separated by petroleum ether on silica gel G layers. The sulfur band on the chromatogram was scraped off and eluted with chloroform, and sulfur was estimated by its absorbance at 265 nm. The present method allows rapid, simple, but highly sensitive detection of sulfur down to 1 mug on the plate. The method was applie d with high accuracy and precision to the analysis of complex sulfur o intments. No interference was encountered from other active components usually present in such complex formulations.