Extracting Chlorophyll from a Leaf
Modifed from this source: https://www.biologyjunction.com/chlorophyll_fluorescence.htm
Chlorophyll is the light gathering pigment found in green plants. We can do a simple chlorophyll extraction from a leaf using a non-polar solvent. The chlorophyll extract will fluoresce when its electrons are excited with light energy.
| Reusable Equipment | Expendable Supplies |
|---|---|
| Mortar & Pestle | Coffee Filter |
| Black Light or Flashlight | Isopropyl Alcohol or Acetone |
| Clear Glass Jars (2) | Spinach leaf |
| Funnel |
Instructions
- Use eye protection and do this experiment in a well ventilated space, particularly if using acetone.
- Grind the spinach leaf (or other dark green leaf) to a paste using the mortar and pestle.
- Dump the ground up leaf into a jar and soak with 15-25 milliliters of isopropyl alcohol for 15 minutes.
- Set up the funnel on top of another glass jar.
- Place a coffee filter over the top of the funnel and push it down into the funnel.
- Pour the extract from the first jar into the coffee filter.
- Collect 10-15 milliliters of the filtered extract.
Results
Your result should be a clear green liquid in the second jar. You can discard the coffee filter and its contents. When you darken the room, shine a light on the extract in the jar. The light energy should cause the extract to fluoresce, as shown in this video. Discard the extract when done with the lab by running it down the drain with lots of water.