Question

Experimental Procedure

5. Obtain a TLC plate( a silica gel coated plastic sheet) which has been pre-cut (3.5 x 9.0 cm)and make four dots equal distance a part with a pencil ( why not an ink pen?) on the coated side approximately 2.0 cm from the bottom of the strip. The dots should be parallel with the bottom of the strip. Label the first dot with the letter "e" ) (leaf extract) the second dot "a" ( chlorophyll a), the third dot "b" ( chlorophyll b), and the last dot "c" ( beta -carotene).

Answer 1

The ink will probably move during chromatography and may separate into multiple components and confuse your interpretation of your results. Pencil marks will not move.