Fast separations of cations using ascending paper chromatography

Separations of microgram quantities of radioactive mercury, thallium, bismuth, and lead, and of non-radioactive platinum, gold, copper, nickel, cobalt, iron, cadmium, silver, and palladium, in from 2 to 20 min, have been achieved using a new method of ascending paper chromatography with acetone containing various complexing agents as the developer. The new technique involves the use of thick absorbent paper having high wettability, a developer of high wetting power, and, in particular, an atmosphere which is supersaturated with vapours of the solvent.