A simple and ecofriendly procedure
was developed in order to prepare
extracts from red and green leaves. This procedure enables the separation
of yellow, green, and red band pigments and optimizes the previously
reported baking soda “supermarket column”. The same
extract also led to a novel and colorful potato starch column, which
can efficiently separate β-carotene, xanthophylls, chlorophylls a and b, and flavonoids. Thus, two simple
and attractive “supermarket columns” are presented that
may be implemented either in university or high-school practical classes.
The challenges associated with separation of these pigments, which
have diverse physical and chemical properties, will improve the expected
learning outcomes of these activities.
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