Aggregation of Chlorophylls <i>in vitro</i>

Abstract

In water‐methanol solutions, chlorophyll a forms aggregates absorbing at 745 ± 10 nm or at 710 ± 10 nm. In all cases, chlorophyll also gives a form with no absorption at wavelengths between 350 and 1000 nm, which is considered as an important aggregate of chlorophyll molecules (sieve effect). It is assumed that, in the immediate environment of the chlorophyll a molecules, the water/methanol ratio is the determining factor of the type of aggregate obtained and that water and chlorophyll compete for the “aggregation sites” of chlorophyll.