how do I identify bioactive compounds from a plant extract? HPLC is not an option, due to lack of facilities?

Question

thank you

I was told to run a series of biochemical tests to identify the compounds using reagents (the lab is poorly equipped). I was given an example of aldehye, to determine the presence of active groups in the compounds. What else are my options, only using chemical tests? Please advice

Answer 1

Guess that you might need to seperate the compounds through the traditional liquid chromatography first. Followed by individual testing of each of the compound. Note that some of the compounds can be pH, air or light sensitive. Do take these factors into consideration first.

It would be nice if you could list some of the available instruments for use. Highly recommended instruments are NMR, Mass Spectrometer, IR, X-ray machine.

Answer 2

The simplest way to identify them, if HPLC is not an option and standards of the constituents are available is Thin Layer Chromatography which today is known as planar chromatography. Compare the distance traveled on the plate vs the Standard. In addition, with someone very adept, this technique can be and has been used to then ID the substance with mass specroscopy of an eluent of the scraped spot on the plate.

Answer 3

Try spectroscopy.