Home Thin Layer ChromatographyDetermination of Quinine in Tonic Water and Caffeine in Coffee and Cola Drinks Using TLC-MS

Determination of Quinine in Tonic Water and Caffeine in Coffee and Cola Drinks Using TLC-MS

Section Overview

Abstract
Results
Conclusion
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Abstract

High-Performance Thin Layer Chromatography coupled with Mass spectrometry (HPTLC–MS) is an analytical technique that requires low-level of sample preparation. Here it is illustrated with the determination of quinine in tonic water and caffeine in coffee and cola drinks. Tonic water and the analyzed cola drinks were decarbonized through ultrasonication, and boiled coffee was extracted through an appropriate 0.45 µm PTFE syringe filter. After the initial chromatographic separation, specific bands were eluted with an TLC-MS interface and detected with mass spectrometry.

Results

Caffeine (hRf = 56, m/z = 195.2, 236.2, Figure. 2) and quinine (hRf = 37, m/z = 325.4, Figure. 4) were detected under UV light (254 nm, Figure. 1; 366nm, Figure. 3) and measured by TLC-MS.

Slide and graph of developed plate at 254 nm and mass spectrum of caffeine in coffee.

Figure 1.(left) Developed plate at 254 nm. Figure 2. (right) Mass spectrum of caffeine in coffee.

Slide and graph of developed plate at 366 nm and mass spectrum of quinine in tonic water.

Figure 3. (left) Developed plate at 366 nm; Figure 4. (right) mass spectrum of quinine in tonic water

Conclusion

These results demonstrate that caffeine and quinine can easily be analyzed by HPTLC-MS with a minimum of sample preparation in coffee, cola drinks or tonic water.