Paper chromatography is a technique introduced in 1865 that separates mixtures by analyzing how compounds partition between a stationary phase (cellulose paper) and a mobile phase (solvent). It is simple and widely used. Compounds are separated based on how they partition between the water in cellulose fibers and an organic solvent. Samples are applied to a line on paper and developed in a chamber saturated with solvent vapors. Compounds form separate spots visualized with detectors like iodine or UV light. Quantification is done by comparing spot intensities to a standard.