Paper chromatography in the separation of ions

Summary A study has been made of the separation of alkali and alkaline earth metals. With mixtures of solvents, such as ethyl cellosolve, water and hydrochloric acid and acetone, water and hydrochloric acid in the ratio of 702010 and at different temperatures, a complete separation of alkaline earth metals was effected. Of the alkali metals only lithium, sodium and potassium could be separated from each other but rubidium and caesium always accompanied potassium.