What is Paper Chromatography? What is the principle of Paper Chromatography? What are the applications of paper chromatography?

What is Paper Chromatography?

Paper chromatography is a simple and versatile form of chromatography that is commonly used in chemical laboratories. It involves the separation of compounds based on their affinities for a stationary phase (a piece of filter paper) and a mobile phase (a solvent). Paper chromatography is used to identify, purify, and analyze a wide range of compounds, including amino acids, plant pigments, and organic compounds.

What is the Principle of Paper Chromatography?

Principle of Paper Chromatography:

The principle of paper chromatography is based on the concept of partition chromatography. Partition chromatography occurs when a sample is placed on a stationary phase (in this case, filter paper) and a mobile phase (the solvent) is passed over it. The different components of the sample will have different affinities for the stationary and mobile phases, which will cause them to separate as the solvent moves up the paper.

Experimental Procedure of Paper Chromatography:

Materials required:

Filter paper

Sample to be separated

Solvent

Pencil or pen

Ruler

Spotting equipment (such as a capillary tube or pipette)

Developing chamber (such as a beaker or jar with a lid)

Procedure:

Cut a piece of filter paper to the appropriate size and draw a line with a pencil or pen near the bottom of the paper. This line is called the baseline.

Apply a small amount of the sample to the baseline using the spotting equipment. Ensure that the sample is applied carefully to prevent it from spreading.

Allow the sample to dry completely before placing the paper into the developing chamber.

Add the solvent to the developing chamber. The solvent should be just below the baseline.

Place the paper in the developing chamber so that the baseline is in contact with the solvent.

Cover the developing chamber with a lid to prevent the solvent from evaporating.

Allow the solvent to move up the paper until it reaches the top or near the top of the paper. This process is called developing.

Remove the paper from the chamber and allow it to dry completely.

Observe the separation of the sample on the paper.

Factors that affect Paper Chromatography:

Several factors can affect the results of paper chromatography, including:

The choice of solvent: the solvent should be carefully selected to ensure that it is compatible with the sample and the stationary phase. The solvent should also have a low viscosity and be able to dissolve the sample components.

The type of filter paper: the filter paper should be carefully selected to ensure that it is compatible with the solvent and the sample.

The size of the sample spot: the sample spot should be small to prevent the sample from spreading and to ensure that the components of the sample are well-separated.

The temperature: the temperature can affect the rate of development and the separation of the sample components. The temperature should be controlled carefully during the experiment.

Applications of Paper Chromatography:

Paper chromatography is widely used in research and industry for a wide range of applications, including:

Separation of amino acids

Separation of plant pigments

Separation of dyes and inks

Analysis of drugs and pharmaceuticals

Analysis of environmental samples

Analysis of food additives and contaminants

In conclusion, paper chromatography is a simple and powerful technique for the separation of compounds based on their affinities for a stationary phase and a mobile phase. It is widely used in research and industry for a wide range of applications and is a valuable tool for the analysis of complex mixtures.