Experiment 36 Liquid-Solid Extraction Chlorophyll from Spinach Leaves

Experiment 36 Solid-Liquid Extraction Chlorophyll from Spinach Leaves 

Chlorophyll is a common chemical found in most green leaves. It is important in photosynthesis. 

Part A Determination of the Most Effective Extraction Solvent 

The purpose of this experiment is to test four organic solvents of varying polarity to determine which solvent is more effective in extracting chlorophyll from spinach leaves. The solvents are ethyl acetate, dichloromethane, acetone, and ethanol. 

Obtain four spinach leaves of equal size. Cut or break each into small pieces and place in separate 50-mL beakers. Place 20 mL of ethyl acetate in one beaker, 20 mL of dichloromethane in another, etc., labeling each beaker with the name of the solvent used. Stir each mixture thoroughly with a glass stirring rod (do not cross-contaminate) and then let stand at room temperature for 15 min. 

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