Paper chromatography is used for a quick qualitative analysis; HPLC has supplanted paper chromatography for quantitative analysis. Consequently, little instrumentation is needed for this technique. However, similarities with GC, HPLC, and SFC techniques make this a VERY useful laboratory exercise for illustrating the principles of chromatography to students.
Samples and standards are analyzed side by side. The distances traveled by analytes are compared to identify each component. A term called the Rf can be calculated by dividing the distance traveled by analyte by the distance traveled by the mobile phase. However, these terms are dependent on the paper so the Rf is not an absolute constant. Colored samples are detected visually, but papers may also be viewed under ultraviolet light to observe more components.
Paper chromatography can be used for quick qualitative analysis of very dirty samples that may clog and destroy an HPLC column. Large sticky molecules are simply left behind at the origin.
The technique can be used used for simple separations of inks.
One of the early successes of the technique was in working out the photosynthesis dark reactions.
