Chromatography challenge | 16–18 years

Composite image showing tubes of flourescent spheres and organic molcules and previews of the Chromatography challenge student worksheet and teacher notes, all on a blue background

Source: Composite image © Nanoclustering/Science Photo Library/Getty Images/Royal Society of Chemistry

Explore analytical techniques and their applications with a chromatography investigation and research activity

Use this resource to improve A-level, Leaving certificate, Higher and Advanced higher learners’ understanding of paper, thin layer, gas and liquid chromatography. Plus, task them to research how chemists couple chromatography with mass spectrometry, ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy, infrared (IR) spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to identify mixture’s components and determine their concentrations. Download the resource and task your classes to plan a chromatography investigation using the known context of sweets, research analytical techniques and answer the questions. Find the answers, suggested equipment and safety information in the teacher notes.

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