Determination of oestriol, oestrone and oestradiol in pregnancy urine by thin-layer chromatography

Abstract A method is described for the determination of individual oestrogens in human pregnancy urine by means of thin-layer chromatography. After acidic hydrolysis, the urine was extracted with ether, washed with Na 2 CO 3 and the extract chromatographed on Kieselgel G layer with the solvent system benzene-ethanol (9:1). Quantitation was carried out using Ittrich's colour reaction in the presence of adsorbent. Physiological excretion during the Ist to the Xth month of pregnancy is presented. The findings are in good agreement with those reported in the literature.