Name: Amelia Llewellyn

Grade: 10/49
Date: 28/10/20
Lab #2

Title: Paper Chromatography

Aim: To separate black washable marker into its components using paper chromatography.

Apparatus and Materials: Black washable marker, water filter paper, a clear beaker like
container, pencil, stop watch.

Diagram:

Procedure:
1. With a pencil, a 1.5 cm horizontal line was drawn from the filter paper. This is the
Base line.
2. A small dot was placed in the center of the Base line. This the Point of Origin.
3. A spot of the black washable marker was made on the point of origin. The point of
origin. The spot was dried and then the process was repeated.
4. Water was poured into the container just enough to cover the entire bottom of it.
5. The filter paper was placed vertically into the container and the upper edge was
folded over a pencil. The pencil was secured on top of the container.
 6. The water travelled up the filter paper.
7. When the water stopped rising, the paper was removed and the distance travelled by
solvent was marked off using a pencil.
8. Using a ruler, the distance travelled by the solvent and the distance travelled by
each component of the marker were measured.
9. The number and colour of the black washable marker present were observed and
recorded. As well as the order in which they appeared on the filter paper from the
base line.
10. A neat, clear and labelled diagram of the apparatus set up was drawn below.

Observations:
1. The number of colors observed were 3: blue, orange and red.
2. The distance travelled by spots was 3 cm.
3. The texture of the filter paper did not change.

Calculation: The Rf of each compact is:

1. Red, Rf = 1.6cm/3cm = 0.53
 2. Orange, Rf = 2.1cm/3cm = 0.7
3. Blue, Rf = 2.9cm/3cm = 0.96

Discussion: Chromatography is a process for separating components of a mixture. The different

components of the mixture travel through the stationary phase at different speeds, causing them
to separate from one another. Chromatography can be used in flavor studies and to detect
spoilage in foods. Determining the number of organic acids in foods provides key information
about the quality of foods. The black marker is an impure substance. This is because a pure
substance produces one spot during chromatography and an impure substance produces two or
more spots. The black marker created three spots, hence it is impure. The components of the
black washable marker are red dye, orange dye and blue dye. The blue dye moves the fastest out
of the three components. This is because it is the most soluble in the solvent and least attracted to
the filter paper. The red dye moves the slowest out of the three components. This is because it is
the least soluble in the solvent and most attracted to the filter paper.

Conclusion: The components of the black washable marker are red, orange and blue dyes.