5.05 Candy Chromatography Lab
Purpose:
Chromatography is used to separate mixtures of substances into their components and also to identify them.
The purpose of this lab is to separate pigment from Skittles to observe colors that are not shown.
Background information and research:
Paper chromatography is a technique that is used to determine and separate parts of a mixture in order for identification. Paper chromatography is used to identify chemicals such as inks and dyes
Materials:
4 pieces of candy with a colored coating (Skittles: Red, Green, Orange, Purple)
Rubbing alcohol or isopropyl alcohol
2 coffee filters
2 tall glasses or plastic cups
At least two pencils
Ruler including inches/centimeters
Tape
Foil or paper plate (about 2 feet)
Table salt (1/8 teaspoon)
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7)Use toothpicks to transfer the dye from the skittles onto the coffee filter strip.
8)Measure about 1/4 inch from the top of the coffee filter strip and tape pencils to the top.
9)Place each coffee filter strip over a cup with the pencil holding and balancing it at the top.
10)Fill cup with water so the water is slightly touching the coffee filter strip.
11) Once the dye has reached the near top of your cut coffee filter (1/4 inch) take them out and dry them.
12)Measure while they are drying or when they are dry or both.
13) Record your measurements (in cm) along with your observations.
14)Repeat procedure for water/alcohol solution.
Salt & water solution:
After 15-20 minutes, color separation became visible; red and blue were shown around the purple as well as blue/yellow around green. Solution line stopped at 60cm.
Data and Observation
The water/salt solution percolates faster than the alcohol/water solution.
Alcohol & water solution:
After 15-20 minutes, water was about half way to final line. Solution line stopped at 55cm.
RED: 23cm
ORANGE: 41cm
GREEN: 43cm
PURPLE: 29cm
RED: 50cm
ORANGE: 50cm
GREEN: 25-30cm
PURPLE: 44cm
Discussion &