The development chamber is a container (jar, beaker, or flask) that can be sealed tight enough that the atmosphere in the container is saturated with the developing liquid. Beakers and flasks can be sealed by covering the opening with a watch glass, parafilm, or aluminum foil.
To the developing chamber, add enough of the appropriate developing liquid so that it is 0.5 to 1 cm deep in the bottom. Next, place a piece of filter paper into the developing chamber so that it lines the walls and is immersed in the liquid.
Close the developing chamber tightly, and let it stand for a few minutes to allow the atmosphere within the chamber to become saturated with solvent vapor.
Why is the filter paper placed in the developing chamber?
Answer
The filter paper absorbs liquid and helps the atmosphere of the chamber become saturated with the solvent. A solvent-saturated atmosphere helps the TLC experiment proceed more quickly.
Why is the filter paper placed in the developing chamber?