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Paper chromatography is an inexpensive method for analyzing some types of chemical mixtures. Here are our recommendations for paper and readily available solvents for experiments involving paper chromatography.
Recommended Papers for Paper Chromatography
| Paper | Suitability | Comments |
| Laboratory filter paper | Excellent | - Inexpensive, yet gives excellent results. - Sometimes filter paper is available with porosities ranging from fine to coarse. We achieved good results with medium porosity paper, but others may work just as well. - Don't worry if all you can find is circular filter paper. Just cut strips from it. - Available from Science Kit & Boreal Laboratories (search for "filter paper"). |
| Chromatography paper | Excellent | More expensive than laboratory filter paper. - Available from Science Kit & Boreal Laboratories (search for "chromatography paper"). |
| Paper towel (white) | OK | Very porous which makes it difficult to get a nice "pattern." |
| Coffee maker filters | Won't work | Absorbs solvent so quickly that the sample "runs." |
| Printer / copier paper | Won't work | Does not absorb solvent. |
Readily Available Solvents for Paper Chromatography
You can find these solvents at grocery, drug, and /or hardware stores.
| Solvent | Polarity (arbitrary scale of 1-5) | Suitability | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water | 1 – Most polar | Good | |
| Rubbing alcohol (ethyl type) or denatured alcohol | 2 – High polarity | Good | POISONOUS! Primary ingredient is ethyl alcohol (ethanol), but it is mixed with other ingredients to make it poisonous. |
| Rubbing alcohol (isopropyl type) | 3 – Medium polarity | Good | POISONOUS! Primary ingredient is isopropyl alcohol (isopropanol). |
| Vinegar | 3 – Medium polarity | Good | |
| Nail polish remover (acetone) | 4 – Low polarity | Good | POISONOUS! USE OUTSIDE or with good ventilation. You might be able to find pure acetone at a hardware store. |
| Turpentine | 5 – Least polar | Good | POISONOUS! USE OUTSIDE or with good ventilation-it really smells bad. |
| Vegetable oil | 5 – Least polar | Poor | Too thick / viscous |
| Mineral oil | 5 – Least polar | Poor | Too thick / viscous |
