Method and apparatus for automatic chromatography of thin-layer plates

A method for automatic chromatography of thin-layer plates for thin-layer chromatography with a development chamber having a cavity in which a thin-layer plate is completely enclosed, sealed-off and isolated from the external environment, wherein a front space containing an inner atmosphere is located in the cavity on a front face of a separation layer of the thin-layer plate, comprising the following steps:

• a) activating by adjustment of the moisture of the separation layer of the thin-layer plate in the cavity in a first step;
• b) preconditioning by saturation of the inner atmosphere of the cavity with a specific gas phase composition and defined loading of the separation layer of the thin-layer plate with at least one substance in the cavity in a second step;
• and
• c) providing chromatographic development of the thin-layer plate in the cavity, wherein the thin-layer plate is brought into contact with an eluent which migrates in the separation layer of the thin-layer plate by capillary forces in a third step, wherein during at least one of steps b) or c), a stream of gas having a particular composition determined by a user is generated throughout the entire front space, and the entire inner atmosphere is set in motion, without stagnant or a stationary gas phase.