74 THE ALUMNI JOURNAL 



CHLOROPHYLL.* 



By Curt P. Wimmer, M.A., Phar.D. 

 ( Continued. ) 



The question as to whether the chlorophylls of all plants are alike 

 was answered in the affirmative after an examination of several hun- 

 dred different plant extracts. Discrepancies in the results were found 

 to he due to an enzyme action. When a green plant is extracted with 

 alcohol, an enzyme which accompanies the chlorophyll, becomes active 

 and alcoholizes it; the phytol rest is replaced quantitatively by C2H5. 

 The solvent will show a brownish color. This can be avoided by a 

 rapid extraction, or by addition of a small amount of alkali. Some 

 plants are richer in chlorophyllase than others. Water enhances the 

 action of this enzyme, wood alcohol retards it. Chlorophyll and Chlo- 

 rophyllase appear to be specific for one another. Other esters, such 

 as spermacetie, were not affected by chlorophyll, nor did other en- 

 zymes, such as pancratin, split chlorphyll. The enzyme not only splits 

 chlorophyll, but also forms it. Upon addition of phytol to phytol free 

 chlorophyll esterification took place; this enzyme, no doubt, plays an 

 important part in the formation of chlorophyll in the plant. 



The chlorophyll of all plants showed the presence of Mg- and of 

 1/3 of its molecule of phytol. The final reaction products of alkalis 

 on phaeophytine were two substances which are the components of 

 chlorophyll : one bluish green, photochlorine, the other yellow-green, 

 phytorhodine, which were isolated and analyzed. A structural for- 

 mula was found for phytol. 



Absolutely pure chlorophyll was obtained and found to be crystal- 

 lizable, forming a blue-black powder with metallic lustre, readily 

 soluble in alcohol and ether, but insoluble in benzine. The solutions 

 are blue-green. It contains 5% MgO in its ash. Its composition cor- 

 responds to C,.-H,20,,N4Mg and most likely possesses the following 

 nucleus : 



r=c 



^ -o- 





*Read at the January meeting of the A. Ph. A. 



