1. Chromatography Lab Instructions

2. Lightly draw a line 1cm from the end of a piece of chromatography paper. Be sure to use PENCIL.

3. Choose the pen you want to test. Place a
small dot on the 1cm pencil line. Remember
to label the top of the paper with the pen identification
letter.

4. Tape the paper to a pencil or
Craft stick. Adjust it so the paper is just touching the bottom of
the beaker.

5. Add Isopropyl Alcohol so it’s just touching the paper.
Too little and it will get absorbed by the paper. Watch the liquid
climb up the paper through capillary action.

6. As the Isopropyl Alcohol climbs up the paper, it will
carry the ink with it. The various colors of ink used to
create that pen’s unique color will begin to separate out.

7. Don’t remove the paper
until the ink no longer
travels upward. For some
inks this may take the
class period.