Study of the Chromatographic Behavior of Selected Steroid Hormones on Aluminum Oxide Plates Based on Quantitative Structure—Retention Relationships

Summary The chromatographic properties of eight steroids: trans -androsterone, methyltestosterone, testosterone, progesterone, cortisone, hydrocortisone, estrone, and β-estradiol were studied by planar chromatography by use of aluminum oxide plates as well as of four different binary mobile phases (acetonitrile—water, acetonitrile—DMSO, acetone—petroleum ether, and acetone—water). Correlations between chromatographic data and physicochemical parameters were presented as results of established quantitative structure–retention relationships (QSRRs). Principal component analysis (PCA) and multiple linear regression (MLR) showed the possible relationships between the retentions and the physicochemical parameters of the studied compounds. The evaluation of thin-layer chromatographic (TLC) separation power, based on Δ hR F , was also discussed. Finally, two chromatographic systems for the effective separation of glucocorticoids and other analyzed steroid hormones were recommended.