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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.
| 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. |
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 |