Thin-layer chromatography of dyes extracted from cellulosic fibres

Abstract A suitable solvent for the extraction of reactive dyes from cellulosic fibres has been found and thin-layer chromatographic systems for the characterisation of direct, reactive, vat and sulphur dyes extracted from cellulosic fibres have been evaluated. After examining several dyes extracted from manufacturers' pattern cards and casework materials, elution systems for use with the aluminium-backed Merck DC Alufolien Kieselgel 60F 254 plates have been recommended for direct and reactive dyes. No successful characterisation of the vat or sulphur dyes has been possible.