Overview
Chlorophyll b is an accessory pigment in photosynthesis, complementing chlorophyll a by absorbing light in the blue (453nm) and red-orange (642nm) spectra. It constitutes about ¼ of total chlorophyll in higher plants and green algae. Structurally, it differs from chlorophyll a by a formyl group (–CHO) replacing a methyl group (–CH3) on the porphyrin ring. First isolated in 1912, it is biosynthesized from chlorophyll a via the enzyme chlorophyllide a oxygenase. Its presence increases the range of light wavelengths plants can utilize, enhancing photosynthetic efficiency in shaded environments. Industrially, it is extracted from sources like spinach, alfalfa, or spirulina.
Physical and Chemical Properties
Chlorophyll b appears as a dark green, waxy solid or microcrystalline powder. It is lipophilic, dissolving readily in organic solvents like ethanol or acetone but insoluble in water due to its phytol tail. The compound is sensitive to light, heat, and acidic conditions, degrading to pheophytin b (gray-brown) when exposed. Its absorption spectrum shows peaks at 453nm (blue) and 642nm (red), with a molar extinction coefficient of ~60,000 M−1cm−1. The magnesium ion at its core can be displaced by acids, altering its color and functionality. Under alkaline conditions, it forms water-soluble salts through saponification.
Main Applications
In the food industry, chlorophyll b is used as a natural green colorant (E140) in products like chewing gum, dairy, and beverages. Its stability is improved by copper substitution (E141). The nutraceutical sector markets it as an antioxidant supplement, often combined with chlorophyll a. Research laboratories employ it as a reagent for photosynthesis studies or spectrophotometric calibration. Cosmetic formulations utilize its pigmenting properties in soaps and creams. Emerging applications include dye-sensitized solar cells and biodegradable sensors due to its light-harvesting capabilities.
Safety and Storage
Chlorophyll b is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for food use. No significant toxicity is reported, though inhalation of powder may irritate respiratory tracts. Prolonged skin contact requires protective gloves as it may stain. For stability, store in amber glass vials under inert gas (e.g., argon) at 2-8°C. Solutions should be prepared fresh and shielded from direct light. Degradation products like pheophytin lack nutritional value, necessitating strict inventory rotation (shelf life: ~2 years unopened).
B2B Procurement Guide
Bulk buyers should prioritize suppliers providing certificates of analysis (CoA) with HPLC purity (≥95%), heavy metal content (<10ppm), and solvent residue data. Extraction methods matter: supercritical CO2 yields higher purity than solvent extraction but costs more. Request batch-specific UV-Vis spectra to confirm absorbance ratios (A642/A453 ≈ 1.2). For dietary applications, ensure non-GMO and pesticide-free sourcing. Sample testing should assess solubility in target formulations. Consider MOQs: lab-grade (1-10g) costs ~$100/g, while industrial quantities (1kg+) may drop to ~$30/g.
Related Manufacturers
- 主营：植物叶绿素belisa试剂盒、试剂盒、人25羟基维生素、人低氧诱导因子
- 主营：酶cγ链、α2巨球、素d合成、纤连蛋白、抗组蛋白、肌醇抗体、蛋白样环、敏感蛋白、牛骨钙素、蛋白重链、金属肽酶、乳球蛋白、钩端螺旋、蛋白激酶、高血糖素、钙调蛋白、小鼠α1抗、ELISA试剂盒、pcr检测试剂、生化检测试剂
- 主营：白细胞介素、生物试剂、甲状腺素、植物试剂盒、活性氧簇、促甲状腺激素、孕酮、促黄体生成素、心肌肌钙蛋白、检测试剂盒、试剂盒、实验室试剂、Elisa、定量分析、定性分析、酶联免疫试剂盒、科研试剂盒、免费代测
- 主营：elisa试剂盒、人elisa试剂盒、小鼠elisa试剂盒、植物elisa试剂盒、大鼠elisa试剂盒、鱼elisa试剂盒、猪elisa试剂盒、牛elisa试剂盒、鸡elisa试剂盒、兔elisa试剂盒、犬elisa试剂盒
- 主营：chlorophyllb、Elisa试剂盒、检测试剂盒
- 主营：叶绿素b还原酶试剂盒、Elisa试剂盒、检测试剂盒
- 主营：叶绿素b、elisa试剂盒
- 主营：ELISA试剂盒、高灵敏度试剂盒、试剂盒厂家、植物ELISA试剂盒、人ELISA试剂盒、小鼠ELISA试剂盒、大鼠ELISA试剂盒、仓鼠ELISA试剂盒、豚鼠ELISA试剂盒、鸡ELISA试剂盒、鸭ELISA试剂盒、牛ELISA试剂盒、羊ELISA试剂盒、马ELISA试剂盒、猴ELISA试剂盒、猪ELISA试剂盒、犬ELISA试剂盒、兔ELISA试剂盒、鱼ELISA试剂盒、土壤ELISA试剂盒、定性ELISA试剂盒、肿瘤标志物检测ELISA试剂盒、特种蛋白检测ELISA试剂盒、传染病检测ELISA试剂盒
- 主营：叶绿素b还原酶、ELISA试剂盒、PCR检测试剂盒、抗体
- 主营：叶绿素b还原酶、elisa试剂盒
- 主营：试剂盒、反应蛋白、细胞、叶绿素b、抗体、酶免试剂盒
- 主营：chlorophyllb、elisa试剂盒
- 主营：叶绿素b、elisa试剂盒
- 主营：elisa试剂盒、生化试剂盒、pcr检测试剂盒、叶绿素b还原酶、细胞
- 主营：叶绿素b、elisa试剂盒、pcr检测试剂盒