method for chromatography experiment

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Paper Chromatography Experiment

March 17, 2021 By Emma Vanstone Leave a Comment

This simple felt tip pen paper chromatography experiment is a great way to learn about this particular method of separating mixtures .

WHAT IS CHROMATOGRAPHY?

Chromatography   is a technique used to separate mixtures. Information from a chromatography investigation can also be used to identify different substances.

In chromatography, the mixture is passed through another substance, in this case, filter paper. The different-coloured ink particles travel at different speeds through the filter paper, allowing the constituent colours of the pen ink to be seen.

All types of chromatography have two phases: a mobile phase where the molecules can move and a stationary phase where they can’t move. In the case of paper chromatography, the stationary phase is the filter paper, and the mobile phase is the solvent ( water ).

The more soluble the ink molecules, the further they are carried up the paper.

The video below shows chromatography in action.

You’ll need:

Filter paper or paper towel

Felt tip pens – not washable or permanent

A container – glass, jar or plate

Instructions

Pour a small amount of water onto a plate or into the bottom of a jar.

Find a way to suspend the filter paper over the water so that just the very bottom touches the water. If you do the experiment in a jar, the easiest way to do this is to wrap the top of the filter paper around a pencil, clip it in place, and suspend it over the top of the jar.

Our LEGO holder worked well, too!

Use the felt tip pens to draw a small circle about 1cm from the bottom of the filter paper with each colour pen you want to test.

Suspend the filter paper in the water and watch as the ink moves up the filter paper.

You should end up with something like this! The end result is called a chromatogram.

What happens if you use washable pens?

If the inks are washable, they tend to contain just one type of ink, so there is no separation of colour.

Below, only a couple of the inks have separated compared to the non-washable pens above.

Why does chromatography work?

When the filter paper containing the ink spots is placed in the solvent ( in this case, water ), the dyes travel through the paper.

Different dyes in ink travel through the chromatography filter paper at different speeds. The most soluble colours dissolve and travel further and faster than less soluble dyes, which stick to the paper more.

I’ve created a free instruction sheet and chromatography experiment write up to make the activity even easier.

Extension task

Experiment with different types and colours of pens. Depending on the type of ink used, some will work better than others.

Try chromatography with sweets .

Steamstational also has a great leaf chromatography investigation.

More separation experiments

Clean up water by making your own filter .

Separate water and sand by evaporation .

Make colourful salt crystals by separating salt and water.

Separate liquid mixtures with a bicycle centrifuge .

Last Updated on May 20, 2024 by Emma Vanstone

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• Analytical Chemistry

Paper Chromatography

What is paper chromatography.

Chromatography technique that uses paper sheets or strips as the adsorbent being the stationary phase through which a solution is made to pass is called paper chromatography. It is an inexpensive method of separating dissolved chemical substances by their different migration rates across the sheets of paper. It is a powerful analytical tool that uses very small quantities of material. Paper chromatography was discovered by Synge and Martin in the year 1943.

Table of Contents

Paper chromatography principle, paper chromatography diagram, paper chromatography procedure, paper chromatography applications.

• Types of Paper Chromatography
• Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

The principle involved can be partition chromatography or adsorption chromatography. Partition chromatography because the substances are partitioned or distributed between liquid phases. The two phases are water held in pores of the filter paper and the other phase is a mobile phase which passes through the paper. When the mobile phase moves, the separation of the mixture takes place. The compounds in the mixture separate themselves based on the differences in their affinity towards stationary and mobile phase solvents under the capillary action of pores in the paper. Adsorption chromatography between solid and liquid phases, wherein the solid surface of the paper is the stationary phase and the liquid phase is the mobile phase.

Below we have explained the procedure to conduct Paper Chromatography Experiment for easy understanding of students.

• Selecting a suitable type of development: It is decided based on the complexity of the solvent, paper, mixture, etc. Usually ascending type or radial paper chromatography is used as they are easy to perform. Also, it is easy to handle, the chromatogram obtained is faster and the process is less time-consuming.
• Selecting a suitable filter paper : Selection of filter paper is done based on the size of the pores and the sample quality.
• Prepare the sample: Sample preparation includes the dissolution of the sample in a suitable solvent (inert with the sample under analysis) used in making the mobile phase.
• Spot the sample on the paper: Samples should be spotted at a proper position on the paper by using a capillary tube.
• Chromatogram development: Chromatogram development is spotted by immersing the paper in the mobile phase. Due to the capillary action of paper, the mobile phase moves over the sample on the paper.
• Paper drying and compound detection : Once the chromatogram is developed, the paper is dried using an air drier. Also, detecting solution can be sprayed on the chromatogram developed paper and dried to identify the sample chromatogram spots.

There are various applications of paper chromatography . Some of the uses of Paper Chromatography in different fields are discussed below:

• To study the process of fermentation and ripening.
• To check the purity of pharmaceuticals.
• To inspect cosmetics.
• To detect the adulterants.
• To detect the contaminants in drinks and foods.
• To examine the reaction mixtures in biochemical laboratories.
• To determine dopes and drugs in humans and animals.

Types of paper chromatography:

• Ascending Paper Chromatography – The techniques goes with its name as the solvent moves in an upward direction.
• Descending Paper Chromatography – The movement of the flow of solvent due to gravitational pull and capillary action is downwards, hence the name descending paper chromatography.
• Ascending – Descending Paper Chromatography – In this version of paper chromatography, movement of solvent occurs in two directions after a particular point. Initially, the solvent travels upwards on the paper which is folded over a rod and after crossing the rod it continues with its travel in the downward direction.
• Radial or Circular Paper Chromatography – The sample is deposited at the centre of the circular filter paper. Once the spot is dried, the filter paper is tied horizontally on a Petri dish which contains the solvent.
• Two Dimensional Paper Chromatography – Substances which have the same r f values can be resolved with the help of two-dimensional paper chromatography.

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

What are the advantages of paper chromatography.

Paper Chromatography Has Many Benefits Simple and rapid Paper chromatography necessitates a minimal amount of quantitative material. Paper chromatography is less expensive than other chromatography methods. The paper chromatography method can identify both unknown inorganic and organic compounds. Paper chromatography takes up little space when compared to other analytical methods or equipment. Outstanding resolving power

Why water is not used in paper chromatography?

It is preferable to use a less polar solvent, such as ethanol, so that the non-polar compounds will travel up the paper while the polar compounds will stick to the paper, separating them.

What are the limitations of Paper Chromatography?

Limitations of Paper Chromatography are as follows- Paper chromatography cannot handle large amounts of sample. Paper chromatography is ineffective in quantitative analysis. Paper chromatography cannot separate complex mixtures. Less Accurate than HPLC or HPTLC

What is the importance of paper chromatography?

Paper chromatography has traditionally been used to analyse food colours in ice creams, sweets, drinks and beverages, jams and jellies. Only edible colours are permitted for use to ensure that no non-permitted colouring agents are added to the foods. This is where quantification and identification come into play.

Is paper chromatography partition or adsorption?

A type of partition chromatography is paper chromatography.

To learn more about the different types of paper chromatography from the experts, register with BYJU’S now!

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It is so easy to understand by students Explained with applications also.

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Paper Chromatography

How does paper chromatography work, stationary and mobile phases, paper chromatography experiment, applications.

Paper chromatography is a simple and cost-effective separation technique that separates and identifies different components in a mixture. [1-4]

In paper chromatography, a specialized paper acts as the stationary phase, while a liquid solvent is the mobile phase. The mixture to be analyzed is applied to the paper. As the solvent moves up through capillary action, it carries along the individual components of the mixture at different rates based on their solubility and affinity for the stationary phase.

The principle behind paper chromatography lies in the differential partitioning of compounds between the stationary and mobile phases. The stationary phase typically consists of cellulose fibers embedded in filter paper or thin-layer chromatography plates. These fibers provide an adsorbent surface for compounds to interact with.

Understanding the mechanism behind paper chromatography requires knowledge of several key processes. [1-4]

The first process is capillary action, which refers to the ability of liquids to flow through narrow spaces against gravity. In paper chromatography, capillary action allows the solvent to move up the paper strip due to its attraction to the fibers in the paper. As the solvent moves up, it carries the solutes in the analyzed mixture. This migration of solutes is driven by two main mechanisms: adsorption and partitioning.

Adsorption occurs when solute molecules adhere to the fibers or other surfaces within the paper. It can be influenced by polarity and molecular size, with more polar or larger molecules having stronger interactions with the stationary phase.

Conversely, partitioning involves solute molecules distributing themselves between two immiscible phases – in this case, between the stationary phase (paper) and mobile phase (solvent). The extent of partitioning depends on factors such as solute polarity and affinity for either phase.

As solutes migrate up through capillary action, they may experience different degrees of adsorption and partitioning along their journey. This results in their separation based on their characteristics. By analyzing how far each component migrates on a chromatogram – a visual representation of separated components – scientists can determine properties such as retention factor (R f ) values and identify unknown substances based on known reference compounds.

Stationary and mobile phases play crucial roles in separating components of a mixture. [1-4]

The stationary phase refers to the absorbent material fixed on the chromatography paper. It can be made of cellulose or other materials with high absorbency. The stationary phase acts as a substrate for the sample mixture to interact with during separation.

On the other hand, the mobile phase is the solvent or liquid that moves through the stationary phase, carrying the sample components. The mobile phase must have good solubility with the components of interest. It should be able to flow easily through the paper.

As the mobile phase moves through the stationary phase, it interacts differently with each mixture component based on their solubility and affinity for both phases. This differential interaction leads to separation as different components travel at different rates along the paper.

Choosing an appropriate combination of stationary and mobile phases is important for effective separation in paper chromatography. Factors such as polarity, viscosity, and compatibility between phases must be considered to achieve optimal results.

Performing a paper chromatography experiment involves several essential steps to ensure accurate results. The process begins with preparing samples for paper chromatography, then spotting the sample on the paper strip, and finally, developing the chromatogram. [1-4]

Preparing the samples is crucial in obtaining reliable data. It involves selecting appropriate substances to analyze and ensuring they are suitable for chromatography. Samples can be liquid or solid and must be dissolved or crushed into a solution before application.

Next, spotting the sample on the paper strip is done carefully to ensure accurate separation. A small spot of the prepared sample is placed near one end of a designated area on the filter paper strip. It is essential to use a capillary tube or micropipette for precise and consistent application.

Once all samples are spotted on the filter paper strip, it is time for the development of the chromatogram. This step involves placing one end of the strip into a solvent traveling up through capillary action. The choice of solvent depends on factors such as solubility and desired separation distance.

As the solvent moves up through the filter paper strip, it carries different components in each sample. These components separate based on their affinity for stationary (filter paper) and mobile (solvent) phases. The separation occurs due to differences in molecular size, polarity, or other physical properties.

Throughout this process, it is important to maintain controlled conditions such as temperature and humidity to ensure reproducibility. Further analysis can be conducted once an optimal separation has been achieved, which can take several minutes or hours depending on various factors, including solvent choice and sample composition.

The diverse applications of paper chromatography across various fields are listed below. [1-4]

• It plays a crucial role in forensic analysis by separating and identifying different components in complex mixtures, such as blood or ink samples.
• Aids in the analysis of crime scene evidence, allowing forensic scientists to determine the presence of specific substances and identify potential suspects based on chromatographic patterns
• Enables the separation of different dyes used in food coloring, helping to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and quality control measures
• Determines the authenticity and safety of food products by identifying and quantifying specific components present in complex food matrices
• Separate and identify active ingredients, impurities, and by-products in pharmaceutical formulations.
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How to Do Simple Chromatography

Last Updated: July 6, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Bess Ruff, MA . Bess Ruff is a Geography PhD student at Florida State University. She received her MA in Environmental Science and Management from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2016. She has conducted survey work for marine spatial planning projects in the Caribbean and provided research support as a graduate fellow for the Sustainable Fisheries Group. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 206,482 times.

Mixtures are composed of two or more components that have different properties. There are many methods used to separate mixtures into their basic components. For fluids, these methods are known as chromatography. Chromatography works to separate the mixture into its components based on their relative ability to move along/through the stationary phases (fixed phase) by the mobile phase. Some components of the mixture move through more easily, while others are held back. This causes the mixture to separate into bands of different components.

Things You Should Know

• Cut a coffee filter into strips and draw a line 1 in (2.5 cm) from the bottom of each strip with a marker.
• Lower a strip into a cup of water so the line is close to the water but not submerged. Watch the marker color creep up the filter to create colored bands.
• Inspect the colored bands on the strip. Lighter shades will travel further than darker ones because they have smaller compounds that move faster.

Creating a Sample

• Paper towels, or any other paper, can be substituted for the coffee filter.

• In place of a line, some people use a dot. This will work as well, but the bands will not be as clearly defined using this method.

• You can hang the strip with paper clips, tape, or any other mechanism you see fit.

Introducing a Solvent

• An example apparatus would be to have the clothespin that is holding the strip clamped to a pencil lying across the top of the glass. This way, the strip dangles down and just barely touches the water.

• The exact time it takes the water to reach 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the top of the strip will depend on what kind of strip you are using.
• Don't carry the system after submerging the strip; avoid any stirring that will affect the result by diffusion of bands.

Observing the Bands

• The ratio of the distance a compound moved (Dc) to the distance the solvent moved (Ds) is called the Rf value. You can calculate the Rf value for any band by dividing the distance the band traveled from the original line to the distance the solvent traveled from the original line. [9] X Research source
• Rf = 2 inches / 5 inches

Community Q&A

• If you wish to do this more scientifically, you can actually buy chromatography paper, which is similar to a coffee filter but creates a much more distinct and less blurry strip of colors when used properly. This is available through various lab equipment suppliers. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
• Try different colored markers, and notice which reaches the top first, which creates the prettiest strip of pigments, and so on. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Chromatography is used in actual scientific labs for various reasons, and can actually become quite complex. Chromatography includes a wide variety of scientific tests and is not limited to this method. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

• Be careful to not submerge the mark on the filter. This will ruin the chromatography. Thanks Helpful 19 Not Helpful 7
• Let the mark dry. Thanks Helpful 5 Not Helpful 1

Things You'll Need

• Coffee filter
• Black marker

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://sciencing.com/simple-chromatography-experiments-9589.html
• ↑ https://www.khanacademy.org/science/class-11-chemistry-india/xfbb6cb8fc2bd00c8:in-in-organic-chemistry-some-basic-principles-and-techniques/xfbb6cb8fc2bd00c8:in-in-methods-of-purification-of-organic-compounds/a/principles-of-chromatography
• ↑ https://www.teachengineering.org/activities/view/wst_environmental_lesson02_activity1
• ↑ https://chem.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Analytical_Chemistry/Supplemental_Modules_(Analytical_Chemistry)/Instrumentation_and_Analysis/Chromatography/V._Chromatography/E._Paper_Chromatography
• ↑ http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/science/add_edexcel/covalent_compounds/seperationrev2.shtml

About This Article

To do simple chromatography, start by cutting a straight strip out of a coffee filter or paper towel. Next, measure 1 inch up from the bottom of the strip and use a black marker to draw a straight line. Then, secure the strip to a pencil with tape so that it hangs vertically. Once the strip is ready, put water in a cup and lower the strip in so the line stays dry but everything below it is submerged, and wait as the water moves all the way up the strip. Finally, remove the strip and observe the bands created by the marker traveling up the strip. To learn how to list the bands and their compounds, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Leaf Chromatography Experiment – Easy Paper Chromatography

Leaf chromatography is paper chromatography using leaves. Paper chromatography is a separation technique. When applied to leaves, it separates the pigment molecules mostly according to their size. The main pigment molecule in green leaves is chlorophyll, which performs photosynthesis in the plant. Other pigments also occur, such as carotenoids and anthocyanins. When leaves change color in the fall , the amount and type of pigment molecules changes. Leaf chromatography is a fun science project that lets you see these different pigments.

Leaf Chromatography Materials

You only need a few simple materials for the leaf chromatography project:

• Rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol)
• Coffee filters or thick paper towels
• Small clear jars or glasses with lids (or plastic wrap to cover the jars)
• Shallow pan
• Kitchen utensils

You can use any leaves for this project. A single plant leaf contains several pigment molecules, but for the most colors, use a variety of leaves. Or, collect several of each kind of leaf and compare them to each other. Good choices are colorful autumn leaves or chopped spinach.

Perform Paper Chromatography on Leaves

The key steps are breaking open the cells in leaves and extracting the pigment molecule and then separating the pigment using the alcohol and paper.

• Finely chop 2-3 leaves or several small leaves. If available, use a blender to break open the plant cells. The pigment molecules are in the chloroplasts of the cells, which are organelles encased within the plant cell walls. The more you break up the leave, the more pigment you’ll collect.
• Add enough alcohol to just cover the leaves.
• If you have more samples of leaves, repeat this process.
• Cover the container of leaves and alcohol and set it in a shallow pan filled with enough hot tap water to surround and heat the container. You don’t want water getting into your container of leaves.
• Replace the hot water with fresh water as it cools. Swirl the container of leaves around from time to time to aid the pigment extraction into the alcohol. The extraction is ready when the alcohol is deeply colored. The darker its color, the brighter the resulting chromatogram.
• Cut a long strip of coffee filter or sturdy paper towel for each chromatography jar. Paper with an open mesh (like a paper towel) works quickly, but paper with a denser mesh (like a coffee filter) is slower but gives a better pigment separation.
• Place a strip of paper into jar, with one end in the leaf and alcohol mixture and the other end extending upward and out of the jar.
• The alcohol moves via capillary action and evaporation, pulling the pigment molecules along with it. Ultimately, you get bands of color, each containing different pigments. After 30 to 90 minutes (or whenever you achieve pigment separation), remove the paper strips and let them dry.

How Leaf Chromatography Works

Paper chromatography separates pigments in leaf cells on the basis of three criteria:

• Molecule size

Solubility is a measure of how well a pigment molecule dissolves in the sol vent. In this project, the solvent is alcohol . Crushing the leaves breaks open cells so pigments interact with alcohol. Only molecules that are soluble in alcohol migrate with it up the paper.

Assuming a pigment is soluble, the biggest factor in how far it travels up the paper is particle size. Smaller molecules travel further up the paper than larger molecules. Small molecules fit between fibers in the paper more easily than big ones. So, they take a more direct path through the paper and get further in less time. Large molecules slowly work their way through the paper. In the beginning, not much space separates large and small molecules. The paper needs to be long enough that the different-sized molecules have enough time to separate enough to tell them apart.

Paper consists of cellulose, a polysaccharide found in wood, cotton, and other plants. Cellulose is a polar molecule . Polar molecules stick to cellulose and don’t travel very far in paper chromatography. Nonpolar molecules aren’t attracted to cellulose, so they travel further.

Of course, none of this matters if the solvent doesn’t move through the paper. Alcohol moves through paper via capillary action . The adhesive force between the liquid and the paper is greater than the cohesive force of the solvent molecules. So, the alcohol moves, carrying more alcohol and the pigment molecules along with it.

Interpreting the Chromatogram

• The smallest pigment molecules are the ones that traveled the greatest distance. The largest molecules are the ones that traveled the least distance.
• If you compare chromatograms from different jars, you can identify common pigments in their leaves. All things being equal, the lines made by the pigments should be the same distance from the origin as each other. But, usually conditions are not exactly the same, so you compare colors of lines and whether they traveled a short or long distance.
• Try identifying the pigments responsible for the colors.

There are three broad classes of plant pigments: porphyrins, carotenoids, and flavonoids. The main porphyrins are chlorophyll molecules. There are actually multiple forms of chlorophyll, but you can recognize them because they are green. Carotenoids include carotene (yellow or orange), lycopene (orange or red), and xanthophyll (yellow). Flavonoids include flavone and flavonol (both yellow) and anthocyanin (red, purple, or even blue).

Experiment Ideas

• Collect leaves from a single tree or species of tree as they change color in the fall. Compare chromatograms from different colors of leaves. Are the same pigments always present in the leaves? Some plants produce the same pigments, just in differing amounts. Other plants start producing different pigments as the seasons change.
• Compare the pigments in leaves of different kinds of trees.
• Separate leaves according to color and perform leaf chromatography on the different sets. See if you can tell the color of leaves just by looking at the relative amount of different pigments.
• The solvent you use affects the pigments you see. Repeat the experiment using acetone (nail polish remover) instead of alcohol.
• Block, Richard J.; Durrum, Emmett L.; Zweig, Gunter (1955).  A Manual of Paper Chromatography and Paper Electrophoresis . Elsevier. ISBN 978-1-4832-7680-9.
• Ettre, L.S.; Zlatkis, A. (eds.) (2011). 75 Years of Chromatography: A Historical Dialogue . Elsevier. ISBN 978-0-08-085817-3.
• Gross, J. (1991). Pigments in Vegetables: Chlorophylls and Carotenoids . Van Nostrand Reinhold. ISBN 978-0442006570.
• Haslam, Edwin (2007). “Vegetable tannins – Lessons of a phytochemical lifetime.”  Phytochemistry . 68 (22–24): 2713–21. doi: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2007.09.009
• McMurry, J. (2011). Organic chemistry With Biological Applications (2nd ed.). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole. ISBN 9780495391470.

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Leaf chromatography

In association with Nuffield Foundation

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Try this class practical using paper chromatography to separate and investigate the pigments in a leaf

Most leaves are green due to chlorophyll. This substance is important in photosynthesis (the process by which plants make their food). In this experiment, students investigate the different pigments present in a leaf, from chlorophyll to carotenes, using paper chromatography.

The experiment takes about 30 minutes and can be carried out in groups of two or three students.

• Eye protection
• Pestle and mortar
• Chromatography paper
• Beaker, 100 cm 3
• Small capillary tube (see note 1)
• Cut-up leaves, or leaves and scissors (see note 2)
• Propanone (HIGHLY FLAMMABLE, IRRITANT), supplied in a small bottle fitted with a teat pipette (see note 3)

Equipment notes

• The capillary tubing can be ‘home-made’ from lengths of ordinary glass tubing (diameter: 3–4 mm) using a Bunsen burner fitted with a flame-spreading (‘fish-tail’) jet.
• A variety of leaves can be used. Best results are obtained from trees or bushes with dark green leaves, eg holly.
• Preferably use teat pipettes that do not allow squirting, eg those fitted to dropper bottles of universal indicator.

Health, safety and technical notes

• Read our standard health and safety guidance.
• Wear eye protection throughout.
• Propanone, CH 3 COCH 3 (l), (HIGHLY FLAMMABLE, IRRITANT) – see CLEAPSS Hazcard HC085A .  The vapour of propanone is HIGHLY FLAMMABLE. Do not have any source of ignition nearby.
• Finely cut up some leaves and fill a mortar to about 2 cm depth.
• Add a pinch of sand and about six drops of propanone from the teat pipette.
• Grind the mixture with a pestle for at least three minutes.
• On a strip of chromatography paper, draw a pencil line 3 cm from the bottom.
• Use a fine glass tube to put liquid from the leaf extract onto the centre of the line. Keep the spot as small as possible.
• Allow the spot to dry, then add another spot on top. Add five more drops of solution, letting each one dry before putting on the next. The idea is to build up a very concentrated small spot on the paper.
• Attach the paper to the pencil using sellotape so that when placed in the beaker, the paper is just clear of its base.
• Place no more than about 10 cm 3 of propanone in the beaker and hang the paper so it dips in the propanone. Ensure the propanone level is below the spot.

Source: Royal Society of Chemistry

The equipment required for using paper chromatography to separate the different pigments in leaves

• Avoid moving the beaker in any way once the chromatography has started.
• Leave the experiment until the propanone has soaked near to the top, and then remove the paper from the beaker.
• Mark how high the propanone gets on the paper with a pencil and let the chromatogram dry.

Teaching notes

This experiment works very well providing care is taken over preparing the spot on the chromatography paper. It should be as small and as concentrated as possible. Encourage students to be patient and to wait until each application is dry before adding the next.

At least three spots should be obtained, and one of these should be yellow due to carotenes.

The extent to which any particular component moves up the paper is dependent not only on its solubility in propanone but also on its attraction for the cellulose in the chromatography paper. The yellow carotene spot (with a higher RF value) tends to move up the paper the furthest.

More resources

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Additional information

This is a resource from the  Practical Chemistry project , developed by the Nuffield Foundation and the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Practical Chemistry activities accompany  Practical Physics  and  Practical Biology .

© Nuffield Foundation and the Royal Society of Chemistry

• 11-14 years
• 14-16 years
• Practical experiments
• Chromatography

Specification

• 2. Develop and use models to describe the nature of matter; demonstrate how they provide a simple way to to account for the conservation of mass, changes of state, physical change, chemical change, mixtures, and their separation.
• Chromatography as a separation technique in which a mobile phase carrying a mixture is caused to move in contact with a selectively absorbent stationary phase.
• 6 Investigate how paper chromatography can be used to separate and tell the difference between coloured substances. Students should calculate Rf values.
• Chromatography involves a stationary phase and a mobile phase. Separation depends on the distribution of substances between the phases.
• The ratio of the distance moved by a compound (centre of spot from origin) to the distance moved by the solvent can be expressed as its Rf value: Rf = (distance moved by substance / distance moved by solvent)
• Mixtures can be separated by physical processes such as filtration, crystallisation, simple distillation, fractional distillation and chromatography. These physical processes do not involve chemical reactions and no new substances are made.
• Recall that chromatography involves a stationary and a mobile phase and that separation depends on the distribution between the phases.
• Interpret chromatograms, including measuring Rf values.
• Suggest chromatographic methods for distinguishing pure from impure substances.
• 12 Investigate how paper chromatography can be used to separate and tell the difference between coloured substances. Students should calculate Rf values.
• 2.11 Investigate the composition of inks using simple distillation and paper chromatography
• 2.9 Describe paper chromatography as the separation of mixtures of soluble substances by running a solvent (mobile phase) through the mixture on the paper (the paper contains the stationary phase), which causes the substances to move at different rates…
• C2.1g describe the techniques of paper and thin layer chromatography
• 2.9 Describe paper chromatography as the separation of mixtures of soluble substances by running a solvent (mobile phase) through the mixture on the paper (the paper contains the stationary phase), which causes the substances to move at different rates o…
• C5.1.4 recall that chromatography involves a stationary and a mobile phase and that separation depends on the distribution between the phases
• 3 Using chromatography to identify mixtures of dyes in a sample of an unknown composition
• C3 Using chromatography to identify mixtures of dyes in a sample of an unknown composition
• 1.9.5 investigate practically how mixtures can be separated using filtration, crystallisation, paper chromatography, simple distillation or fractional distillation (including using fractional distillation in the laboratory to separate miscible liquids…
• 1.9.7 interpret a paper chromatogram including calculating Rf values;
• carry out paper and thin-layer chromatography and measure the Rf values of the components and interpret the chromatograms;

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