Extraction and TLC of Pigments in Spinach

spinach phytonutrients

chlorophyll a and b, B-carotene, and xanthophylls

Chromatography

technique used to separate, analyze, and identify compounds

Types of chromatography

column, TLC, Gas, and high performance liquid (HPLC)

mobile phase

gas or liquid that the sample mixture is placed in

stationary phase

solid support that contains adsorbent; most polar

bands

- areas of concentration where the components have separated
- move at different rates depending on interaction with stationary phase

TLC adsorbent

usually silica gel or alumina

eluent

- polar or nonpolar solvent that is used for the mobile phase
- able to be tailored to fit needs of separation for components

TLC plates

- adsorbent is deposited onto rigid backing (plastic sheet)

- eluted by placing it in the developing chamber that contains a piece of filter paper with a watch glass over it

solvent front

line of solvent moving towards top of TLC plate

Rf value

(distance from origin to center spot)/(distance from origin to solvent front)

anhydrous magnesium sulfate

used to remove water from spinach

small

Rf values for polar compounds are . . .

closer to 1

Rf values for nonpolar compounds are . . .