How does paper chromatography work?

Paper chromatography is a technique used to separate coloured chemicals, such as a mixture of inks and dyes. A spot of the mixture to be analysed is spotted onto the bottom of a thin piece of chromatography paper using a capillary tube and the paper is placed in a tank of appropriate solvent, such as water. As the water soaks up the paper, it carries the chemicals in the mixture with it. Different molecules in the mixture will move up the paper at different speeds, depending on how soluble that molecule is in water. If it is very soluble, then that compound will move further up the chromatography paper in the same time than a less soluble compound would. Since the contents of the mixture will all move at different rates, we can separate out the mixture.

AG
Answered by Adam G. Chemistry tutor

4253 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

The equation for the reaction of carbon and nickel dioxide is: NiO + C ----> CO + Ni Calculate the percentage atom economy of this reaction to produce nickel to 3 significant figures.


Write a word equation for the reaction between lithium bromide and chlorine gas.


Why does iodine have a higher boiling point than chlorine?


A reaction can take place between an acid and an alkali: a) Name this type of reaction. (1 mark) b) Write a word equation that shows the reaction between nitric acid and potassium hydroxide. (1 mark) c) Write the symbolic equation (1 mark)


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences