TLC identification and quantification of coenzyme Q10-β-cyclodextrin complex

TLC is often set aside as a result of unjustified simplification of analytical knowledge and, at the same time, over-emphasis of the use of metrological solutions. Some analysts assume that techniques with smaller measurement uncertainty automatically improve the reliability of their analytical results. This is not true. The reliability of some TLC techniques is demonstrated by analysis of an inclusion complex of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) with beta-cyclodextrin, which was prepared because it is a water-soluble food additive. The products obtained were analyzed by one-dimensional, two-dimensional, and multi-dimensional TLC (according to Ebel). These inexpensive, rapid, and very informative methods were used in-line during the preparation steps. Separation was performed in two steps, with dioxane-water, 50 + 50 (v/v), as the first mobile phase and chloroform-methanol, 55 + 45 (v/v), as the second. The development distance was 7.5 cm. The separated spots were visualized in two steps, first with 5% phosphomolybdic acid in EtOH and drying at 110degreesC, then with 50% H2SO4 and heating at 120degreesC for 5 min. After the first treatment blue spots on yellow background were observed for CoQ10. After spraying with H2SO4 dark blue spots of CoQ10 were observed on a light blue background. Images were acquired with a scanner and quantification was performed by use of TLC software. The synthetic yield was calculated from the concentrations determined. The results obtained were later confirmed by use of IR, NMR, and HPLC-MS.