Use of Thin Layer Chromatography to Evaluate the Stability of Methyl Nicotinate

Thin layer chromatography with densitometry and spectrodensitometry was used to evaluate the stability of methyl nicotinate. Normal phase thin layer chromatography analysis was performed on silica gel 60 F254 with an acetone +n-hexane mobile phase. The investigations of chemical stability of methyl nicotinate were performed on silica gel 60 F254 at a temperature of 120°C, in an ethanolic solution stored at 8°C, as well as in aqueous and ethanolic solutions stored in ordinary- and quartz-flasks heated at 40°C and exposed to UV radiation (λ = 254 nm). Methyl nicotinate was only stable in aqueous and ethanolic solutions stored in ordinary flasks at 40°C and exposed to UV radiation (λ = 254 nm).