Name:
Paper Chromatography of Leaf Pigments
Chromatography is a method that is used by scientists to separate chemicals that are mixed together.
We will use chromatography to separate the pigments found in spinach leaves.
Pre-lab questions:
1. What is the color of the main pigment in spinach?
2. Can you see any other pigments in spinach leaves?
Materials:
1 plastic vial with lid
1 piece of chromatography paper
Scissors
1 spinach leaf
1 coin
Chromatography solvent (to be brought around by teacher)
Safety glasses
Procedure:
1. Obtain the materials listed above.
2. Cut the chromatography paper so that it is the same length and shape as the diagram below.
3. Make a thin, dark line of spinach on the chromatography paper as demonstrated by your
teacher.
4. Put safety glasses on.
5. Your teacher will put a small amount of chromatography solvent in the bottom of your vial.
When that is done, immediately place the paper (point side down) in the vial and place the cap
on the vial.
6. The solvent will start to soak into the paper and move toward the top of the paper. When the
solvent line (wet line) is near the top, carefully open the vial, remove the paper and set it on the
desk to dry. Recap the vial.
7. Take the vial to the sink and dump any remaining solvent in the sink with water running. Cap
the vial and return it to the location where it was obtained.
8. Return the coin, safety glasses, and scissors. Dispose of the remaining leaf material.
Lab questions:
1. Sketch your results in the space below. Be sure to identify the color of each band.
2. Based on your results, how many different pigments are found in spinach?
3. What is the name of the main pigment found in leaves?
4. What is the name of the pigments other than the main pigment?
5. What role do the pigments described in number 4 play in photosynthesis?
6. Trees in temperate forests often become dormant in the winter. As this happens, plants stop
chlorophyll production and the green color of leaves fades. The other pigments (red, yellow,
and orange) have always been in the leaves, but were masked by chlorophyll. As the green
fades, you can see the other colors, accounting for the colors of autumn. What color would
spinach turn in the fall if it went through the same process as a tree? Explain your answer.