Rapid Thin-Layer Chromatographic Microestimation of Elemental Sulfur: Application to Complex Sulfur Ointments

Abstract

Abstract Because of its nonpolar character, elemental sulfur can be separated easily from the components of complex samples and quantitated by thin-layer 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 μg on the plate. The method was applied with high accuracy and precision to the analysis of complex sulfur ointments. No interference was encountered from other active components usually present in such complex formulations.