ABSORPTION SPECTRA OF COPPER AND ZINC COMPLEXES OF PHEOPHYTINS AND PHEOPHORBIDES

This study has been made to establish the molar absorbance coefficients of the zinc and copper(II) complexes of the pheophytins and pheophorbides. Spectral curves and metal analyses have been made for each of the four mentioned chelates of zinc and copper(II) following purification by chromatography. Chelation was accomplished with ease in aqueous acetone solutions of the respective pheophytins and pheophorbides. Thin-layer chromatography procedures, developed during this study, provided reliable indication of the purity of the complexes. Zinc and copper(II) salts and their solutions promoted rapid allomerization of the pigment during chelation. Molar absorbance coefficients are presented. © 1968, American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.