Explain the step involved in paper chromatography .

Explanation

Paper chromatography:
(i) It is an example of partition chromatography. A strip of paper acts as an adsorbent. This method involves continues differential partioning of components of a mixture between stationary and mobile phase. In paper chromatography, a special quality paper known as chromatographic paper is used. This paper act as a stationary phase.
(ii) A strip of chromatographic paper spotted at the base with the solution of the mixture is suspended in a suitable solvent which acts as the mobile phase. The solvent rises up and flows over the spot. The paper selectivity retains different components according to their different partition in the two phases where a chromatogram is developed.
(iii) The spots of the separated coloured components are visible at different heights from the position of initial spots on the chromatogram. The spots of the separated colourless compounds may be observed either under ultraviolet light or by the use of an appropriate spray reagent