SEPARATION OF CHLOROPHYLL AND CAROTENOID PIGMENTS OF CAPSICUM CULTIVARS

A system of thin-layer chromatography on cellulose and column chromatography of mixed pigment bands on columns of magnesium oxide-Hyflo Super-Cel (1:1, w/w) and alumina was developed for the separation of chlorophyll, carotene and xanthophyll pigments in capsicum cultivars. A total of twenty six pigments were separated and identified in Large Green and Golden California Wonder cultivars, during maturation and ripening. Cellulose thin layers and up to four solvent mixtures enabled chromatographic separation without degradation of chlorophylls nd xanthophylls. Carotenoid hydrocarbons which travelled as one streak behind the solvent front on thin layers were separated on magnesium oxide-Hyflo Super-Cel and alumina columns. © 1979.