PAPER CHROMATOGRAPHY

PURPOSE

In this experiment students will separate mixtures of compounds to identify each compound in a mixture.

MATERIALS

coffee filters, scissors, ruler, drawing markers(crayola markers), a pencil, a tall cup that is about 4 inches or taller, rubbing alcohol, binder clips, paper towels

PROCEDURE

1. Take the coffee filters and cut them into strips that are each about one inch wide and at least four inches long.

2. Draw a pencil line across the width of the paper strip, about one or two centimeters from the bottom end.

3. Take a marker (preferably black) and make a small dot in the center of the line you drew with a pencil. Because this experiment works with other different colored markers you could feel free to test them out as well, each color would have a different reaction though and using black is most prefered for this experiment because seeing what components(colors) are used to make black with surprise you more than any color since black is a mixture of a lot of colors. IF you decide to test other colored markers you should prepare more coffee filter strips and do the following directions to every strip. You must be consistent with the things you do.

4. If you’re testing multiple colors you must label them on the top of the strip of paper so you could tell what the results were for one thing.

5. Now attach the strip of paper to the cup. By doing this you can align the top part of the strip to the rim of the cup and use a clip to hold the strip of paper in place. Then slowly and carefully add rubbing alcohol into the cup till it touches the strip of paper. Make sure the rubbing alcohol does not surpass the pencil line you’ve created.

6. Observe the reaction of the rubbing alcohol with the marker. What is happening?

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