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Chromatography of chlorophyll
Chemistry

Chromatography of chlorophyll

To introduce a common organic extraction technique.

Water, cells and plants
chromatography; chlorophyll; pigments; extraction

What students learn

The science behind this experiment

Chromatography is a technique used to purify and extract organic and inorganic substances from mixtures. It is based on the different speed of migration of various chemical compounds carried by a solvent (liquid phase) on a substrate (solid phase).

Equipment used

  • Iron stand — 5404.52
  • Right angle clamp — 5401.16
  • Universal clamp — 5416.20
  • Mortar with pestle — 1951.05
  • Beaker 100 ml — 1118.20
  • Watch glass 80 mm — 1489.15
  • Conical flask 250 ml — 1322.20
  • Dropping pipette with teat — 1441.50+5448.00
  • Glass funnel — 1343.15
  • Filter paper square — 8349.20
  • Filter paper round — 8340.08
  • Spatula — 5460.34
  • Paper clip
  • Cotton thread
  • Adhesive tape

Chemicals and reagents

  • Acetone — R:11-36-66-67 S:9-16-26
  • Ethanol — R:11 S:7-16
  • Diethyl ether — R:12-19-22-66-67 S:9-16-29-33
  • Leaves

Safety notes

  • Work in a fume cupboard or outdoors.

Questions for students

  • Observe. What do the bands consist of?
  • Explain briefly the chromatography principles.

What to expect

<p>A series of bands is observed on the paper showing also different colours that indicate the presence of different.</p><p>Chromatography is based on the different speed of migration of the components due to their molecular interaction with solvents (mobile phase) and substrates (stationary phase).</p><p>As the paper absorbs the solvent this carries the pigments which in their turn interact with the paper moving with different speeds.</p>

Disposal

Dispose of the filter paper and the solid mass into the solids waste container. Dispose of the solvents into the flammables waste container.

Run this experiment in your classroom

This experiment is part of the ATP Mobile Lab — a self-contained laboratory that turns an ordinary classroom into a working science lab, with over 200 experiments in physics, chemistry, biology, robotics and engineering. Gali, the AI tutor built into ATP Connect, guides students through each step and answers their questions at the bench.

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