3B Separation Of a Mixture By Paper chromatography

Objectives:

1. To assemble and operate a paper chromatography apparatus

2. To study the meaning and significance of Rf values
3. Testing various food colorings and to calculate their Rf values
4. Separating mixtures of food colorings into their components
5. Identifying the components of mixtures by means of their value of their Rf values

Materials:
As on page 33, it classifies the varied materials or equipment used in this lab.

Procedure:
As on page 34-35
Drawn Procedure Attached

Cautions:
Not Specified in lab booklet

Data and Observations:

PART II: RF VALUES OF INDIVIDUAL FOOD COLORING

Table 1: Results for Lab Station

COLOR TESTED : Red

DISTANCE SOLUTE TRAVELED(D1): 7.3cm

DISTANCE SOLVENT TRAVELED(D2): 8.2cm

RATIO OF FRONTS(Rf): 7.3cm/8.2cm=0.89

TABLE 2 CLASS RESULTS:

COLOR TESTED

LAB STATION RED RF YELLOW RF BLUE RF

1 0.89 0.97 0.95

2 0.99 0.93 0.93
3 0.97 0.95 0.95
0.94
AVERAGE RF,
VALUES
0.95 0.95 0.9475
PART III; SEPARATION OF MIXTURES INTO THEIR COMPONENTS
TABLE 3 RF COMPARISONS FOR COMPONENT COLORS
COMPONENT D1(CM) D2 (CM) CALCULATED COMPONENT
COLORS RF RF

GREEN Yellow+Blue d1(blue) 7.5 Blue (1) Blue (0.9475)

COLORING d1(yellow) 6.9 Yellow(0.92) Yellow(0.95)

UNKNOWN Blue+Yellow+Red d1 (blue) 5.9 Blue (1) Blue(0.9475)

MIXTURE d1(yellow) 6.8 Red (0.74) Red(0.95)
d1(red)7.4 Yellow(0.91) Yellow(0.95)

TABLE 4 SOME OF THE DYES APPROVED FOR FOOD COLORING

DYE RED RED RED YELLOW YELLOW BLUE BLUE
#2 #3 #4 #5 #6 #1 #2

RF 0.81 0.41 0.62 0.95 0.77 1 0.79

 ANALYSIS OF RESULTS
1.
A) Among the colors tested in part II, only yellow had an average rf of 0.95, matching Yellow #5
on the chart.
B) The red food coloring we tested did not align with any R values in the table; Red #2 was at
0.81 and Red #3 at 0.41, whereas we obtained 0.89.
2. Our results indicate that green food coloring comprises yellow and blue components.
Qualitatively, this is evident from the blue and yellow trails on the paper, with blue closer to or
above the solvent. Quantitatively, the R values for blue (1.0) and yellow (0.92) match those in
the table.
3. Based on our unknown mixture results, the components are red, blue, and yellow food
coloring. Qualitatively, the separated colors - blue closest to the solvent, followed by yellow,
then red - support this. Quantitatively, their R values align with specific colors on the approved
dye table.
4. Using ink as a sample line may lead to smearing and disruption of results as it can climb
alongside the solvent, akin to liquid food coloring.
5. Green food coloring is classified as it combines yellow and blue. In contrast, primary colors
like red, yellow, and blue in food coloring are not considered mixtures as they are pure colors
without additional mixing.

FOLLOW UP
1. d2 (solvent traveled) = 5.2 cm. d1, (solute #1 traveled) =2 cm. R+ = 2/5.2 = 0.38
this value in resemblance to Red#3 on the table 4 chart with a value of 0.41 on the
dye chart. d1, (solute #2 traveled) =4.1 cm. Rf, = 4.1/5.2 = 0.79 this value closely
in resemblance to yellow#6 on the table 4 chart with a value of 0.77 on the dye
chart. Meaning the two components of orange food coloring are yellow and red
food coloring.
2. Formula -> Rf, = d1/d2Solute #1 had an Rf, of 1.0. 1.0 = d1/12.0, d, = 1.0*12.0 =
12.0 cm. Solute #1 traveled12.0 cm. Solute #2 had an Rf, of 0.41. 0.41 = d1,/12,
d1 = 0.41*12.0 = 4.92 cm. Solute#2 traveled 4.92 cm. To find seperation you have
to determine the difference between the two Rf, values, 12.0 cm - 4.92 cm =
7.08cm. The Separation distance is 7.08 or 7.1 cm.
3. An Rf, value of 1.2 is impermissible due to the fact that this can only happen
when the solutetravels past or further up than the solvent (Rf, = d,/d,). This is not
possible because it is the solvent that pushes the solute paper, the solute being past
the solvent is not possible.