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Topic: Interpreting Paper Chromatagrophy results?  (Read 5292 times)

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Offline Fabbyfubz

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Interpreting Paper Chromatagrophy results?
« on: February 08, 2012, 11:02:17 PM »
I'm having trouble interpreting my results. The N-terminus amino acid was separated from the unknown peptide through a dansyl chloride reaction. My TA told me that the N-terminus unknown is Valine.

I haven't really had too much experience with paper chromatography. If I'm not mistaken, the letters represent the Amino Acid standards. The DC is where we placed the unknown (dansyl chloride). Am I supposed to compare the retention factor of the unknown to the standards? And if so, what does it mean if there aren't enough blue marks(?) and if their slightly angled?

My lab book isn't helping me much in this case.

Results:
http://i.imgur.com/pmz1c.jpg

Offline Arkcon

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Re: Interpreting Paper Chromatagrophy results?
« Reply #1 on: February 09, 2012, 08:25:15 AM »
Basically, you are to use the retention factor, sometimes abbreviated Rf, to determine which standard your unknown most resembles.  Can you make a guess based on your photo?  Can you say what the unknown is definitely not?  And can you write a good summary of your observation.  That's how these class laboratory exercises are generally supposed to go.
Hey, I'm not judging.  I just like to shoot straight.  I'm a man of science.

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