Abstract
An HPLC procedure is described which enables both identification and quantitation of chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b and their major degradation products which can occur during solvent extraction of chloropigments from green plant leaves or during storage and canning of green vegetables. The method has been applied to visualize enzymatic as well as chemical degradation of chloropigments from spinach. Complex mixtures of phytyl esters of chlorophyllides, pheophorbides, pyrochlorophyllides, and pyropheophorbides and their respective hydrolysis products were separated, identified and quantitated in the presence of carotenoids in a process lasting less than 40 min.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Received: 2 August 1996
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Mangos, T., Berger, R. Determination of major chlorophyll degradation products. Z Lebensm Unters Forsch 204, 345–350 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1007/s002170050088
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s002170050088