Reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic separation of mono- and divinyl chlorophyll forms using pyridine-containing mobile phases and a polymeric octadecylsilica column

The separation of chlorophyll forms was studied employing a wide bore polymeric octadecylsilica column and pyridine containing mobile phases, giving consideration to considering the influence of mobile phase composition and column temperature on the resolution of monovinyl forms from their divinyl analogues. A method involving gradient elution and operating at 15 degrees C is proposed for the separation of several polar and non-polar mono- and divinyl chlorophylls from etiolated tissues of higher plants and from marine phytoplankton. The advantages of pyridine as a mobile phase additive in the reversed-phase liquid chromatography of chlorophylls are discussed.