Thin-Layer Chromatography (4th Edition, Revised and Expanded) (Fried, B., and Sherma, J. (eds.), Marcel Dekker, New York-Basel, 1999, 499 p., $195)

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Many specialists are well familiar with the first edition of this book, which was originally published in 1982. During the two last decades since the first edition, numerous data have been accumulated in the field of thin-layer chromatography. These data are included into the latest (the fourth) edition.

The book consists of two sections. The first section deals with history of the development of the thin-layer chromatography method, its mechanisms and theory. This section also contains information on types of sorbents and solvent systems, techniques of sample application, separation, visualization, and quantitative evaluation of separated compounds. Special chapters have been reserved for analysis of reproducibility of results and their validity.

The second section considers applicability of thin-layer chromatography for characterization of compounds from various chemical classes: lipids, amino acids, carbohydrates, pigments, vitamins, nucleic acid derivatives, steroids, and terpenoids.

The book ends with a list of the main periodicals publishing thin-layer chromatography-related materials and also commercial firms producing sorbents and equipment for thin-layer chromatography. The book also contains a glossary of main terms and notions employed in thin-layer chromatography.

I do believe that this book is a useful desk handbook for many specialists employing this method in their studies. I recommend the book to a wide range of specialists working in chemistry, biochemistry, biotechnology, and pharmacology. It will also be useful for teachers and their students specializing in the above-mentioned areas.

Doctor of Biological Sciences

G. Ya. Wiederschain

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