Methods of paper chromatography of steroids applicable to the study of steroids in mammalian blood and tissues

Chromatography has already been widely applied to the steroids, both for preparative and analytical work. Both adsorption and partition methods have been used, although the lipoidal solubility propbrties of these compounds have made the latter method difficult to apply. Burton, Zaffaroni & Keutmann (1950) have overcome these difficulties by using filter paper soaked in propylene glycol or formamide, and a hydrocarbon mobile phase, with good results. Earlier work with steroid Girard derivatives only gave separations according to the number of ketone groups available for condensation with Girard's reagent