Question

Study the following statements regarding chi a molecule.
(i) Molecular formula of chi a is $C_{55}H_{72}O_{5}N_{4}Mg$.
(ii) It is the primary photosynthetic pigment.
(iii) In pure state, it is red in colour and thus it absorbs more blue wavelength of light than the red wavelength.
(iv) It is soluble in water as well as petroleum ether.
Which of the above statements is/are not correct?

• A. (i) and (iii)
• B. (iii) and (iv)
• C. (ii) only
• D. (iv) only

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

Chlorophyll a is the primary photosynthetic pigment, which is bluish green in the pure state. It has an empirical formula of $C_{55}H_{72}O_{5}N_{4}Mg$ and molecular weight of $893$. It absorbs more red wavelength of light than violet-blue. It is soluble in a number of organic solvents such as petroleum ether.