كروماتوجرافيا أصباغ النباتات

فصل الكلوروفيل والكاروتينويدات باستخدام كروماتوجرافيا الورق

Qualitative Analysis Intermediate (High School) 60 دقيقة ~$8,00

الهدف

فصل وتحديد أصباغ النباتات باستخدام كروماتوجرافيا الورق وحساب قيم Rf لكل صبغة.

الخلفية

Paper chromatography separates mixtures based on differential affinity for the stationary phase (paper) and mobile phase (solvent). Plant leaves contain multiple pigments: chlorophyll a (blue-green), chlorophyll b (yellow-green), xanthophylls (yellow), and carotenoids (orange). These pigments have different polarities, causing them to travel different distances up the paper as the solvent front advances.

تحذيرات السلامة

  • Acetone and petroleum ether are highly flammable — no open flames
  • Work in a well-ventilated area or fume hood
  • Avoid inhaling solvent vapors
  • Petroleum ether is a skin irritant

معدات الوقاية الشخصية المطلوبة

goggles gloves lab_coat

المواد

  • Fresh spinach leaves (5–10 leaves)
    Or other dark green leaves
  • Acetone or isopropanol (50 mL)
    Extraction solvent
  • Petroleum ether (30 mL)
    Chromatography solvent
  • Chromatography paper (2 strips)
    Whatman No. 1 or equivalent
  • Sand (1 teaspoon)
    For grinding

المعدات

Mortar and pestle Beaker (250 mL) with watch glass cover Pencil (not pen) Ruler Capillary tube Scissors

الإجراء

1

Grind spinach leaves with a pinch of sand and 5 mL acetone in a mortar until a deep green extract forms.

5 دقيقة Acetone is flammable
2

Draw a pencil line 2 cm from the bottom of the chromatography paper. Apply the extract using a capillary tube in a small spot. Let dry and reapply 3–4 times to concentrate.

10 دقيقة
3

Pour petroleum ether into the beaker to a depth of about 1 cm. Suspend the paper strip so the origin line is just above the solvent level.

5 دقيقة Work in fume hood
4

Cover the beaker with a watch glass and let the solvent rise by capillary action. Do not disturb until the solvent front is 1–2 cm from the top.

25 دقيقة
5

Remove the paper, immediately mark the solvent front with pencil. Let dry completely.

5 دقيقة
6

Identify the colored bands: carotenoids (orange, highest Rf), xanthophylls (yellow), chlorophyll a (blue-green), chlorophyll b (yellow-green, lowest Rf). Calculate Rf values for each band.

10 دقيقة

النتائج المتوقعة

Four or more colored bands should be visible. Carotenoids (orange) travel farthest (Rf ≈ 0.9–0.95). Xanthophylls (yellow) at Rf ≈ 0.7. Chlorophyll a (blue-green) at Rf ≈ 0.5. Chlorophyll b (yellow-green) at Rf ≈ 0.4.

التنظيف

Allow all solvents to evaporate in the fume hood. Dispose of paper in general waste. Clean mortar and pestle thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the objective of كروماتوجرافيا أصباغ النباتات?
فصل وتحديد أصباغ النباتات باستخدام كروماتوجرافيا الورق وحساب قيم Rf لكل صبغة.
How difficult is كروماتوجرافيا أصباغ النباتات?
This experiment is rated as Intermediate (High School). It takes approximately 60 minutes to complete.
What safety precautions are needed for كروماتوجرافيا أصباغ النباتات?
Key safety precautions include: Acetone and petroleum ether are highly flammable — no open flames; Work in a well-ventilated area or fume hood; Avoid inhaling solvent vapors.
What materials are needed for كروماتوجرافيا أصباغ النباتات?
The main materials required are: Fresh spinach leaves, Acetone or isopropanol, Petroleum ether, Chromatography paper, Sand.
What results should I expect from كروماتوجرافيا أصباغ النباتات?
Four or more colored bands should be visible. Carotenoids (orange) travel farthest (Rf ≈ 0.9–0.95). Xanthophylls (yellow) at Rf ≈ 0.7. Chlorophyll a (blue-green) at Rf ≈ 0.5. Chlorophyll b (yellow-green) at Rf ≈ 0.4.