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Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) on silica gel is used in a preparative form to separate polyoxypropylene polyols according to functionality. The methods developed enable components to be separated in polyoxypropylene polyols with one, two and three hydroxyl groups in the molecule and these to be isolated quantitatively. A study was made of the effect on separating properties of factors such as silica gel particle size, thickness of the adsorbent layer and amount of substance used for separation. The accuracy of separation by preparative TLC was confirmed by results of investigation of the same samples by liquid column chromatography. Using gel-permeation chromatography to determine MW and MWD of the components separated a study was made of composition according to the functionality of a number of polyoxypropylene polyols.

A study was made of the molecular heterogeneity of polyethers, propylene oxide-ethylene oxide copolymers. Thin layer chromatography using silica gel was applied. Separation is based on the difference in adsorption interaction of hydroxyethyl and hydroxypropyl units in the molecule. Four solvent systems were selected to separate both homopolymers of propylene oxide and copolymers with broad distribution according to composition. It was found possible to use thin layer chromatography to determine the composition and structure of copolymers.