Thin-layer chromatographic separation andin situchemiluminescence of phenolic compounds

Phenolic compounds, such as flavonoids and phenolic acids, are very important substances that occur in various medicinal plants. They show different pharmacological activities which might be useful in the therapy of many diseases. Phenolic compounds have achieved an increasing interest over the last years because these compounds are easily oxidized and, thus, act as strong antioxidants. We present the chemiluminescence of different phenolic compounds measured directly on high-performance thin-layer chromatography LiChrospher® plates using the oxalic acid derivative bis(2,4,6-trichlorophenyl) oxalate (TCPO) in conjunction with H2O2. Our results indicate that chemiluminescence intensity increases with an ascending number of phenolic groups in the molecule. The method can be used to detect phenolic compounds in beverages like coffee, tea, and wine.