Separating Ink Dyes

Applying Concepts Chromatography is an important diagnostic tool for chemists. Many types of substances can be separated and analyzed using this technique. In this experiment, you will use paper chromatography to separate the dyes in water-soluble black ink. 

Materials 9-oz wide-mouth plastic cups (2) round filter paper V4 piece of 11-cm round filter paper scissors pointed object, approximately 3-4 mm diameter water-soluble black felt pen or marker 

Fill one of the wide-mouth plastic cups with water to about 2 cm from the top. Wipe off any water drops on the lip of the cup. 

Place the round filter paper on a clean, dry surface. Make a concentrated ink spot in the center of the paper by firmly pressing the tip of the pen or marker onto the paper. 

Use a sharp object to create a small hole, approximately 3-4 mm or about the diameter of a pen tip, in the center of the ink spot. 

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