Question

Give a labeled diagram to show the separation of dyes of black ink by paper chromatography.

Answer 1

Chromatography

• It is a separation technique used to separate the components present in the substance.
• The substance is dissolved in a solvent (mobile phase) and passed through the stationary phase.
• Depending upon the nature of stationary phase, different chromatographic techniques are present.
• If the stationary phase is paper, it is called paper chromatography.
• If the stationary phase is glass beads packed in the tube, it is called column chromatography.

Paper chromatography

• This technique is mainly depend on the solubility of the substance (components) in solvent and ability to adhere on paper.
• Take a 20 cm long and 5 cm wide chromatographic paper.
• Draw a baseline using a pencil by leaving 4 cm from one end of the paper.
• Place a drop of ink at the middle of the baseline.
• When we suspend this paper in the jar containing solvent, it rises through the paper and colours separate into different heights.
• Blue, red and yellow dyes separate into different heights.
• Component (dye) which is readily soluble in solvent travels long distance.