Separate Pigments Using Chalk Chromatography

Separate Pigments Using Chalk Chromatography Chromatography is a technique used to separate components of a mixture. There are many different types of chromatography. While some forms of chromatography require expensive lab equipment, others can be performed using common household materials. For example, you can use chalk and alcohol to perform chromatography to separate the pigments in food colorings or inks. Its a safe project and also a very quick project, since you can see bands of color forming within minutes. After youve finished making your chromatogram, youll have colored chalk. Unless you use a lot of ink or dye, the chalk wont be colored all the way through, but it will still have an interesting appearance. Chalk Chromatography Materials chalkalcohol (isopropyl alcohol or rubbing alcohol seems to work best)ink, dye, or food coloringsmall jar or cupplastic wrap Apply your ink, dye or food coloring to a piece of chalk about 1 cm from the end of the chalk. You can place a dot of color or stripe a band of color all the way around the chalk. If you are mainly interested in getting bands of pretty colors rather than separating individual pigments in the dye, then feel free to dot multiple colors, all in the same place.Pour enough rubbing alcohol into the bottom of a jar or cup so that the liquid level is about half a centimeter. You want the liquid level to be below the dot or line on your piece of chalk.Place the chalk in the cup so that the dot or line is about half a centimeter higher than the liquid line.Seal the jar or put a piece of plastic wrap over the cup to prevent evaporation. You can probably get away with not covering the container.You should be able to observe the color rising up the chalk within a few minutes. You can remove the chalk whenever you are satisfied with your chromatogram.Let the chalk dry before using it for writing. Heres a video of the project, so you can see what to expect.