Leaf extracts, HPLC profile

Alternatively, where samples are extracted into organic solvents, normal phase HPLC can also be used. This option is particularly valuable for the resolution of optical isomers of the A vitamins and, for example, 13-cw-retinol can be resolved using this system (Egberg et al., 1977). Retinoyl species may be converted to retinol prior to chromatography but the subsequent profile is difficult to interpret because of the number of possible intermediates that may also be generated. A computer-assisted analysis of vitamin A extracts from two species of tobacco leaf using non-aqueous reversed phase is shown in Fig. 11.8.2. 

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