SvS's Biology: Chromatography

This will assist in Area 3 of the Work Group tasks...

Aim:To determine the pigmentation present in a variety of green plant leaves

Hypothesis:Green plant leaves contain a range of pigments

Equipment:
          80% acetone solution
                5 mL ether
                separating solvent: 50% methanol, 50% ether
                test tube with cork
                pin and filter paper strip (approx 15cm long)
                sand
                pipette
                mortar and pestle

Procedure:
                place cut up leaves and a pinch of sand in mortar
                add sufficient acetone to wet down leaves
                grind leaves using pestle
                and 5mL ether and mix well
                use pipette to extract solution from mortar
                overlay spots of solution on end of filter paper strip, allow to dry between each
                place separating solvent in base of test tube, at a level which allows filter paper to touch
                pin filter paper to cork, ensure pigment spot does not touch solvent
                allow to stand for >15 minutes
                observe results

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