Name

Date
Chromatography of ink

Inks are made up from dyes and pigments dissolved in a liquid. Different chemicals are made up of
particles of different sizes. In Chromatography, we can use this to determine what chemicals are in a
solution. The different-size particles will travel through the special chromatography paper at
different speeds and so they separate out at different distances. If a dye does not dissolve in water,
a different solvent can be used.
Apparatus/Equipment

100cm3 beaker
Filter paper
Pencil

Ruler
Splint
Paper clip

Coloured felt tip pen

Paper towel

Method
1. Cut out a rectangle strip of filter paper so that it is about as tall as the 100cm3 beaker.
2. Using a PENCIL, draw a line 3cm from the top and 1cm from the bottom.

3. Draw a dot of coloured ink using your felt tip pen in the centre of the bottom line:

4. Set up your chromatogram (the filter paper strip) in the beaker as in the diagram below:
Fold over and paperclip to secure.

Splint

Filter paper
chromatogram.

Beaker
Fill with water so
that it just touches
the dot.
5. Wait for the water to reach the top line and then remove the filter paper from the splint and
lay it on some paper towel to dry.

Name

Date
Chromatography of ink

Inks are made up from dyes and pigments dissolved in a liquid. Different chemicals are made up of
particles of different sizes. In Chromatography, we can use this to determine what chemicals are in a
solution. The different-size particles will travel through the special chromatography paper at
different speeds and so they separate out at different distances. If a dye does not dissolve in water,
a different solvent can be used.
Apparatus/Equipment

100cm3 beaker
Filter paper
Pencil

Ruler
Splint
Paper clip

Coloured felt tip pen

Paper towel

Method
6. Cut out a rectangle strip of filter paper so that it is about as tall as the 100cm3 beaker.
7. Using a PENCIL, draw a line 3cm from the top and 1cm from the bottom.

8. Draw a dot of coloured ink using your felt tip pen in the centre of the bottom line:

9. Set up your chromatogram (the filter paper strip) in the beaker as in the diagram below:
Fold over and paperclip to secure.

Splint

Filter paper
chromatogram.

Beaker
Fill with water so
that it just touches
the dot.
10. Wait for the water to reach the top line and then remove the filter paper from the splint and
lay it on some paper towel to dry.