Analysis/Conclusion:

The purpose of this lab was to separate the components of Kool-Aid with chromatography. During this lab, a C18 Sep-Pak was used in order to separate the red, blue, purple, and clear components of the solution. Within the Sep-Pak is a silica matrix, with a non-polar substrate consisting of a C18 hydrocarbon bonded to the silica. In the first trial, a single silica matrix was used in the column and in the second trial a double silica matrix was used. Throughout the filtering process, the colors moved through the column in a sequence of clear, red, purple, and blue. This color sequence indicates that the highly polar molecules were released first, while the less polar molecules were released last. These colors show that the clear and red components of the solution were more polar than the purple and blue components. During trial 1 the average volume of red dye that filtered through the C18 Sep-Pak was 1.25 mL. The average amount of blue dye that filtered out was 1.675 mL. During trial 2, the average amount of red dye that filtered through the column was 2.05 mL. The average volume of blue dye that filtered out was 3.30 mL. The second trial included a longer filtration process because the solution had to filter through a double silica matrix column instead of a single column, making the process logically longer. 

Ultimately, the second trial was more accurate, because the colors were separated more clearly. But overall, although the results of both trials were fairly accurate, as in any lab, the possibility for error was still present. For example, if the volume was recorded incorrectly at any point during this lab, the results may haven been flawed. Also, if the Sep-Pak was prepared incorrectly then the solution would not be able to properly filter, producing incorrect results. In future labs, I would recommend that use of  a more polar solvent, which would promote the initial removal of highly polar molecules followed by the removal of less polar molecules, ensuring more accurate results. I would also increase the number of trials for this lab, in order to achieve more plentiful and accurate data.