Forensic Chemistry of Chromatography (Document Analysis) (Product Code: SLE/CH/135) is a crime-solving activity in which students use thin-layer chromatography (TLC) to compare the ink on a ransom note with ink from markers tied to possible suspects. The storyline is simple and engaging: the school library’s computers have been stolen, and the thief left behind a note demanding money. Supplied by Jain Scientific Equipments Pvt Ltd (ScienceLab), Ambala, India, with enough material for 15 groups, it is a chromatography kit for schools in India that wraps separation science inside a mystery students want to solve.
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Forensic document-analysis activity |
| Technique | Thin-Layer Chromatography |
| Scenario | Stolen library computers and a ransom note; note ink compared with ink from suspects’ markers |
| Group capacity | Enough material for 15 groups |
| Teaching material | Teacher’s Manual plus Student Guide and Analysis copy-masters |
Students place small spots of ink from the ransom note and from each suspect marker along a pencil baseline on the TLC plate, then stand the plate in a shallow layer of solvent. As the solvent climbs, the dyes that make up each ink travel different distances and separate into bands. Matching band patterns and positions suggests that the note could have been written with a particular marker, while a clear mismatch helps rule a marker out – exactly the kind of evidence a document examiner provides.
For clean results, keep the spots small, make sure the baseline sits above the solvent level, cover the developing container and mark the solvent front as soon as the plate is removed. Students can then calculate retention factors to compare inks numerically. Because the case ends with each group presenting its conclusion, the activity also works well as a science fair project kit in India or as the centrepiece of a forensic science week.
This activity is supplied by Jain Scientific Equipments Private Limited, which trades as ScienceLab from Ambala, Haryana, India. Buyers completing vendor registration can use the company's GSTIN 06AAECJ8618A1ZT; it also holds DGFT Importer-Exporter Code AAECJ8618A for international consignments. More details are in our company profile.
Chromatography supplies and companion forensic cases:
See all practical kits in Chemistry Lab Equipment.
Which separation technique does the activity use?
Thin-Layer Chromatography, used to separate the ink on the ransom note and the ink in markers linked to suspects.
How many groups can work at once?
There is enough material for 15 groups.
Does a matching ink pattern prove who wrote the note?
Not on its own. It can provide evidence that the note could, or could not, have been written with a particular marker, which students then weigh alongside the rest of the case.
What else might we need to run it?
The full component list is not shown on this page. Ask through our contact page and we will confirm what is supplied and what your laboratory should provide, such as containers for developing the plates.
Why TLC rather than paper chromatography?
TLC usually gives quicker and sharper separations, so a class can complete the analysis within a single practical period. Paper chromatography makes a useful comparison exercise afterwards.
Are teacher notes included?
Yes, a Teacher’s Manual and Student Guide and Analysis copy-masters are included.
How do I request a quotation for several schools?
Send product code SLE/CH/135, the number of kits and delivery addresses; we supply institutions in India and international markets.
For pricing on the document-analysis kit, write to us through the contact page or add it with extra TLC plates to the enquiry cart.
Last updated: 24 September 2026