A method for separating lipid components of leaves

Abstract

Green leaves were extracted with acetone. The extracted lipids were transferred to light petroleum and chro-matographed on paper in 2 dimensions. About 40 spots were observed on the chromatograms, many being found in extracts of all species examined. The spots included well-known chlorplast pigments, quinones and tocopherols. A new chlorophyll was found, less polar than chlorophyll a and having spectral-absorption maxima at 409.5 and 662 m/x in ethanol. Three carotenoids were observed whose properties do not coincide with those of carotenoids previously reported in leaves. Over 20 other lipids await identification.