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Sourav PanNovember 8, 2024

How can photosynthetic pigments be separated by chromatography?

How can photosynthetic pigments be separated by chromatography?

Sourav Pan
Sourav PanNovember 8, 2024

Answered step-by-step

To separate photosynthetic pigments using chromatography, a systematic approach can be employed. Here’s a detailed experimental procedure, along with the principles behind the technique:

Overview of Chromatography

Chromatography is a method used to separate mixtures based on the differential affinities of components for a stationary phase and a mobile phase. In the context of photosynthetic pigments, this technique allows for the identification and quantification of various pigments such as chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, carotenoids, and xanthophylls.

Materials Needed

  • Plant Material: Fresh leaves (e.g., spinach, kale).
  • Solvent: A mixture of solvents, commonly a 3:1:1 ratio of petroleum ether, acetone, and ethanol or hexane.
  • Chromatography Paper: Filter paper or specialized chromatography paper.
  • Mortar and Pestle: For grinding the plant material.
  • Capillary Tubes: For spotting the pigment extract on the chromatography paper.
  • Ruler: To measure distances traveled by pigments.
  • Chromatography Chamber: A container to hold the solvent and paper during development.

Experimental Procedure

Step 1: Prepare Pigment Extract

  1. Grinding: Use a mortar and pestle to grind a small amount of fresh leaves with a few milliliters of solvent (e.g., acetone or ethanol) to extract the chlorophyll and other pigments.
  2. Filtration: Filter the mixture through cheesecloth or filter paper to obtain a clear pigment solution.

Step 2: Setting Up Chromatography

  1. Prepare Chromatography Paper:
    • Cut a strip of chromatography paper about 10 cm long and mark a horizontal line approximately 2 cm from one end using a pencil (this is where you will spot the pigment).
  2. Spotting the Pigment:
    • Using a capillary tube, spot a small amount of the pigment extract onto the pencil line. Allow it to dry before proceeding.

Step 3: Developing the Chromatogram

  1. Prepare Solvent:
    • Pour the chosen solvent into the chromatography chamber so that it covers the bottom by about 1 cm.
  2. Run the Chromatography:
    • Suspend the chromatography paper in the chamber so that the bottom edge is immersed in the solvent but does not touch the pigment spot.
    • Cover the chamber to minimize evaporation and allow the solvent to rise up the paper by capillary action until it reaches about 1 cm from the top.

Step 4: Analyzing Results

  1. Remove and Dry:
    • Once the solvent front has reached its desired height, remove the paper from the chamber and mark the solvent front with a pencil immediately.
  2. Identify Pigments:
    • Measure and record how far each pigment spot has traveled from the original pencil line (the starting point).
  3. Calculate Rf Values:
    • Calculate the retention factor (Rf) for each pigment using the formula:
      Rf=Distance traveled by pigment/Distance traveled by solvent front
    • Each pigment will have a unique Rf value that can be compared to known standards for identification.

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