CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

Chromatography is a method for separating the parts of a mixture of either a gas or liquid
solution containing different chemicals. For example, pen inks are often made up of different
colours. The different bonding properties of each molecule type is exploited. Chromatography is
used in both qualitative and quantitative analysis of both organic and inorganic samples
(Coppens, 2016).

This technique uses two types of substances: Mobile phase: a gas or liquid that transports
the solution being tested through the other substance (water, rubbing alcohol are examples).
Stationary phase: the liquid or solid through which the tested substance is carried (coffee filter
paper, paper towel are examples) (Coppens, 2016).

It is necessary for the different chemicals in the solution to have different properties such
as molecule size or a different ability to dissolve in a solvent. The stationary phase will absorb or
slow down different components of the tested solution to different degrees creating layers as the
components of the solution are separated. Chromatography was invented by the Russian botanist,
Mikhail Tsvet. Chemists use this process to identify unknown substances by separating them into
the different molecules that make them up (Coppens, 2016).

The paper chromatography is very similar to thin layer chromatography. Difference is,
instead of using a thin layer of silica on metal, it uses a special type of chromatography paper as
stationery phase. This paper is made of cellulose. Cellulose is a polymer of simple sugar, glucose
(Chemdictionary, 2017).

Cellulose contains -OH group similar to the silica or alumina on the TLC plate. The
surface of cellulose is thus very polar. So the compounds can form hydrogen bond or can interact
by van der waals dispersion forces and dipole dipole forces (Chemdictionary, 2017).

https://chemdictionary.org/paper-chromatography/

https://owlcation.com/stem/What-is-Paper-Chromatography-and-How-does-it-Work
https://www.chemguide.co.uk/analysis/chromatography/paper.html
 CHAPTER II

DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY

About 200 grams of leaves were collected. A certain kind of leaf was chosen by
the researchers. However, only about 10 pieces were used. The size were then reduced
into tiny pieces using a cutter and by hand before placing it in two 100-mL beakers.
Afterwards, enough amounts of ethyl and/or isopropyl alcohol were added in the
beakers until all the leaves are completely soaked but just enough to cover the leaves.
The percentage of alcohol that was used in the procedure was 70% and 40% solution
without unnecessary additives like scent or moisturizers. With the used of watch glass,
the beakers were covered and were placed in a water bath for at least half an hour. The
hot water was replaced as it cools and the beakers were swirled from time to time. The
solution will then absorb the pigments present in the leaves. The darker the solution
produced, the brighter the chromatography will be.

Using a filter paper that was cut into long strips with a width measurement of 1-
inch each, these papers were placed on the sides of the beakers (making sure that the
tip of the paper has reached the solution) and was set-aside for 90 minutes. Afterwards,
the researchers gathered the filter papers and allowed to dry to let the pigments settle
on the paper. After completing all the procedures stated, the researchers were be able
to identify the pigments present in the multicolored leaves used and was also able to
measure the distance of the pigments from the tip of the filter to the center of each
colored bands. The distance travelled by the alcohol was also measured and the ratio of
the distance travelled by the solute to that of the solvent was tabulated.