Lab Paper Chromatography
Names in group: ___________________________ Date: ____________ Period: ______
Write out the procedures used in this lab:
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Data Table for Wilton Brands Food Coloring
Wilton
Brand
Pink
Burgandy
Red
Yellow
Royal
Blue
Red 3
Blue 1
Yellow 5
Tape your chromatogram for Wilton brand here:
Red 40
Yellow 6
Paper Chromatography page 2
Names in group: ___________________________ Date: ____________ Period: ______
tape the chromatogram of your unkown set of colors here:
Unknown
Brand:
Red 3
Blue 1
Yellow 5 Red 40
Yellow 6 other
color
(describe)
other
color
(describe)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Questions:
1. If a food color sample yields a single streak or spot, it is usually a pure compound
and not a mix of colors. Which food colors in your knowns and unknowns consist
of pure compounds?
2. Which of your food colors are mixtures of more than one compound?
3. Paper chromatography separates polar compounds on the basis of their relative
polarities. (how much positive and negative influence exists within the structure of
the molecule) The higher the polarity the faster it travels along the paper. Which
dye is the most polar? The least polar?