Laboratory Report:
Thin Layer Chromatography
Maria Abella
CHM 2211 Lab
10 March 2021
Dr. Cusido
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this laboratory experiment is to use the technique of chromatography to separate
a mixture into its molecular components by the use of a solvent and the idea that the higher the
attraction to the solvent, the faster it will move and the higher it will move up the film (J. Chem
2,3). In this specific laboratory, Dr. Kedrowski separates and analyzes spinach pigments and
their polarity using TLC and column chromatography (Kedrowski 0:05-0:10).
DATA
Video #1: Spinach Chromatography Part 1, Extraction
1- Obtain frozen spinach and place it on paper towel to get the water out
2- Twist and press to get as much water out
3- Weight out around 4 grams of semi-dry frozen spinach
4- Weight out 2 grams of sand to grind out the spinach and obtain pigment
5- Weight out 6 grams of anhydrous magnesium sulfate to absorb water from the spinach
6- Add both the sand and magnesium sulfate to the spinach in a mortar and pestle and grind
the three together harshly
7- If the spinach is not dry enough, add more magnesium sulfate
8- We must have a fine free-flowing powder at the end, no cakey texture
9- Insert the power into an Erlenmeyer flask with the aid of a powder funnel and a spatula
