Chromatography Directions: Pre-Crime Lab I
1)
2)
3)
4)
Cut 2 paper strips for Paper Chromatography Activity
Write initials for 1-2 people on bottom of strip with PENCIL.
Label 1 and 2 at the bottom of strip with PENCIL.
Next put a dot with black permanent ink above number 1 and a dot with
black water based ink above number 2.
1
2
1
2
5) Bend and tape top of strip over glass rod or pencil. Do this for each strip
separately.
6) Place the bottom edge of one strip in beaker of H2O. Make sure the water or
alcohol does not cover the dots of ink.
7) Place the bottom edge of the other strip in a beaker of alcohol. Make sure
the alcohol does not cover the dots. Cover this beaker with foil to prevent
evaporation.
Chromatography Directions: Pre-Crime Lab I
8. Leave in solvents until inks clearly separate.
9. Mark Solvent front with pencil.
10. Let Dry and determine Rf values for each different color component that
separates
Rf = distance dye traveled
Distance solvent traveled
Example Rf =
3.5 cm
= 0.78
4.5 cm
Teacher Notes:
Blue Boxes
Chromatography paper cut 8-10 cm
Bic Black Pens and Vis a Vis Black Pens
70 % Isopropanol
Scotch Tape