Development of Chromatogram:

Paper strips are cut in appropriate size (usually 4-5 cm × 35-40 cm for a single spot but breadth may be changed for multiple spots) and stored under controlled conditions of humidity. A thin pencil line is drawn across the paper 2-3 cm from the edge and a circle is put at its centre. This sample is dissolved within a volatile solvent and it is spotted in the centre of line using a lambda (or micro) pipette of usually 5-10 micro liters or even with a capillary in case of qualitative analysis. The spot must be as small as possible without any spread for better separation and symmetric spots offer separation. It is best done by placing the sample drop wise, drying it with hot air blower (or hair drier) to evaporate the solvent as illustrated in Figure. Sample spot may also be dried using infrafil lamp in a chamber. Following drying, another drop may be put and dried. Several spots of different samples or a sample and the standard can be made across the line with a minimum separation of 1- 2 cm. A paper is now ready for establishment.

Figure:  Illustration of (a) spotting of solute sample on paper using a capillary tube and (b) drying process using hair dryer