Beyond SG vs. SA

Beyond SG vs. SA

Published by Kamran G. on May 2nd 2025

The Molpure Advantage in ITLC: Optimized for Resolution

Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) is not a one-size-fits-all technique. At Molpure, our Instant Thin-Layer Chromatography (ITLC) plates are designed with specific applications in mind—optimizing separation efficiency, resolution, and consistency. Beyond standard SG or SA classifications, each plate is engineered to enhance performance and reproducibility for radiochemical analysis.

Beyond SG vs. SA

Most ITLC plates are classified as either:

  • SG TLC: Silica gel-based, optimized for most radiochemical purity checks. It enables efficient separations using a polar stationary phase.
  • SA TLC: Silicic acid-based, slightly acidic, and beneficial for basic and neutral  analytes that exhibit unique behavior under normal phase conditions.

But at Molpure, we go further.

Molpure ITLC: Designed for Targeted Performance

We understand that even within SG or SA, analytical needs vary. That’s why we use numerical product identifiers (e.g., SG TLC-100, SA TLC-500) to distinguish between unique formulations—each tailored to specific separation goals.

What makes each Molpure plate unique?

  1. Stationary Phase Impregnation

Each plate features a precisely engineered level of silica gel or silicic acid impregnation, which directly affects separation characteristics, flow rate, and resolution.

We use intuitive symbols to represent impregnation levels:

Impregnation Level

Light

Medium

Heavy

(? = SG / ? = SA)

  1. Membrane Characteristics

The glass microfiber base is equally critical. We optimize:

  • Pore size
  • Fiber density
  • Flow dynamics

This ensures each plate delivers reproducible performance suited to the compounds you're analyzing.

Current Molpure ITLC Plate Options

Product Code

Type

Impregnation

Best For

SG TLC-100

Silica Gel

 Light

Fast and efficient separations, low SG loading

SG TLC-400

Silica Gel

Medium

Balanced performance for general use

SA TLC-200

Silicic Acid

 Light

Fastest run time, low SA loading

SA TLC-500

Silicic Acid

  Medium

Analytes sensitive to mild acidity, fast run time

SA TLC-300

Silicic Acid

   Heavy

High-resolution needs, slower run time than SA TLC-500

Each code represents a distinct formulation—not simply a concentration scale. It’s about matching the chemistry and physics of the plate to the demands of your assay.

Why Choose Molpure?

✔ More control over resolution and development time
✔ Tailored products for your exact application
✔ Greater reliability in high-stakes testing, including radiopharmaceutical QC

Whether you're looking for speed, precision, or reproducibility, there's a Molpure ITLC plate designed for your workflow.