Determination of 3-Methoxy-4-Hydroxymandelic Acid (VMA) in Urine by Thin-Layer Chromatography

Abstract

Abstract From studies of several variables, a method has been developed for the separation and quantitation of 3-methoxy-4-hydroxymandelic acid (VMA) in urine by thin-layer chromatography. The urine is pretreated with acid and Florisil, and then extracted with ethyl acetate. Thin-layer chromatography is performed on silica gel with a butanol: acetic acid:water solution. The VMA spot is located by spraying with fast red GG and potassium carbonate. After removal from the plate, maximum color is developed and quantitated by reading in a spectrophotometer at 510 mµ.