Separation of organophosphate, chlorinated, and carbamate insecticides using conventional and reverse-phase thin-layer chromatography.

This paper demonstrates that the RPTLC system can be used as a confirmation tool for regular adsorption TLC because it separates the pesticides of interest and also reverses their positions on the plate due to their partitioning with water solubility. A clinical procedure was devised for screening samples of gastric and urine for chlorinated, organophosphate, and carbamate insecticides via the use of conventional TLC. The presence of these insecticides was then confirmed by reverse-phase TLC via spotted TLC plates. In view of the plethora of insecticides currently found in the home, and in view of the numerous incidents of adults and children accidentally or purposely ingesting them. This confirming procedure should prove to be a clinically valuable tool in crucial emergency situations.