A Simple, Rapid Method for Paper Chromatography of Barbiturates.

Barbiturates are extracted quantitatively into ethyl ether from biologic fluids buffered to pH 6. A measured portion of the ether extract is then impinged to dryness and the residue spotted on Whatman No. 2 paper that has been previously dipped in alkali and dried. The paper is developed by descending chromatography with chloroform saturated with water. The barbiturate may then be located and a quantitative estimate made by viewing with a mercury lamp; it may also be eluted into an alkaline buffer and ultraviolet spectra determined at several pH’s. The extraction from the biologic fluid and development of the chromatogram may be accomplished in about 2hr.