Thin-layer chromatography of simple urea-formaldehyde-methanol reaction products. Part I. Qualitative aspects

Abstract

Methods are described for the preparation of addition and condensation products of urea and formaldehyde of low relative molecular mass and their methyl esters. The stability of these compounds both as solids and in solution is discussed. Conditions are described that enable most compounds to be separated adequately by thin-layer chromatography without decomposition or other reaction occurring on the plate. The implications of the colours given by the compounds on a chromatographic plate and the effect of substituents on the R_F value are discussed.