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Chromatography

Purpose: To identify the pigments found in a given leaf

Materials:

1 Cup approximately 11cm tall

1 Leaf

1 Straw

1 (11*5cm) chromatography filter paper

Tape

A pencil

Isopropyl rubbing alcohol

A quarter or other large coin

Procedure:

1. Draw a horizontal line approximately 2cm above the bottom of the filter paper
2. Using the coin rub the leaf across the line until a substantial amount of matter accumulates
3. Tape the other end of the paper to the straw making sure the tape does not cover too much of the filter paper
4. Fill the cup with about ½ cm of rubbing alcohol or just enough to cover the very end of the side of the paper with the leaf smears.
5. Lay the straw across the rim of the cup leaving just the tip of the paper submerged