Application of multivariate mathematical-statistical methods to compare reversed-phase thin-layer and liquid chromatographic behaviour of tetrazolium salts in Quantitative Structure-Retention Relationships (QSRR) studies

The retention parameters of seven monoand nine ditetrazolium salts were investigated by reversed-phase liquid chromatography (RP-LC) using polyethylene-coated alumina support with various concentration of eluent-mixtures and by reversedphase thin-layer chromatography (RP-TLC) using the same support and eluent-mixtures. Principal component analysis (PCA) followed by non-linear mapping (NLM) and varimax rotation was used for the determination of molecular substructures and physicochemical parameters accounting for the separation in the different methods and circumstances. Calculations proved that the steric and electronic parameters have the highest influence on the retention of tetrazolium salts. This investigation uncovered that the thin-layer chromatography is strictly independent from liquid chromatography. It has been established that multivariate mathematical-statistical methods are the most appropriate ways for evaluation of large data matrices in various chromatographic departures.