Paper Chromatography of Ink. Chromatography is an analytical process, which separates a compound into its constituent chemicals. Chromatography paper is dipped vertically in a solvent with the ink painted on it (left). Capillary action draws the solvent up through the paper (center) and dissolves the ink. As the solvent travels up the paper it takes the various chemicals in the ink with it, separating them into a series of colored bands.
