Overview

Chlorophyll (KLOR-uh-fill) is the pigment that gives plants, algae, and cyanobacteria their green color. The name comes from a combination of two Greek words, chloros, meaning "green" and phyllon, meaning "leaf." Chlorophyll is the substance that enables plants to create their own food through photosynthesis.

At least five forms of chlorophyll exist. They are:

• chlorophyll a (also known as α-chlorophyll), with a formula of C₅₅H₇₂O₅N₄Mg
• chlorophyll b (also known as β-chlorophyll), with a formula of C₅₅H₇₀O₆N₄Mg
• Chlorophyll c1, with a formula of C₃₅H₃₀O₅N₄Mg
• Chlorophyll c2, with a formula of C₃₅H₂₈O₅N₄Mg
• Chlorophyll d, with a formula of C₅₄H₇₀O₆N₄Mg

Key Facts

Formula:

Varies; see Overview.

Elements:

Carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, magnesium

Compound Type:

Organic

State:

Solid

Molecular Weight:

608.96-907.47 g/mol

Melting Point:

Chlorophyll a: 152.3°C (306.1°F); Chlorophyll b...