Chromatography (Ryan Hainey)

Author(s)

Ryan Hainey at La Canada High School

NGSS Engineering Standards

Materials needed

• Coffee Filter

• Printer Paper

• Notebook Paper

• 100%, 50%, and 25% Isopropyl Alcohol

• Sharpe'

• Crayola Marker

• Ball Point Pen

Procedure

Paper Chromatography Engineering Challenge

Alright, so paper chromatography can separate pigments by weight…. Cool story bro, why do I care? WELL chromatography is also used in any industry that has a need for colors, such as the fashion, paint, and medical industries. Businesses need a cheap and efficient method for separating and obtaining the pigments used in their products. Companies are also searching for new pigments that will make their products stand out! Yes, that’s right, we have not discovered every color and pigment that exist. For example, a new shade of blue was recently discovered in 2016 http://www.npr.org/2016/07/16/485696248/a-chemist-accidentally-creates-a-new-blue-then-what

Your group’s challenge is:

What is the cheapest and most effective method for separating colors out of black maker ink?

Using only the materials outlined below, create a Google slide sales pitch on your preferred method of separating pigments.

Your slide MUST include:

1. A picture of your chromatography and a list of the colors separated

2. The total and itemized cost of your method

3. The Rf values for the pigments you separate

4. An argument for WHY we should choose your method

YOU MAY ONLY USE 1 Paper, 1 solvent, and 1 marker for your final product!

Questions

• What is paper chromatography and what is it used for?

• What are problems you encountered given your constraints? How did you address these problems?

• Describe the challenges your experienced between cost and effectiveness.

Photos