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(Reference retrieved automatically from SciELO through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Extraction of β-carotene from carrots: a proposal for experimetal courses in chemistry

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Author(s):
Maria Luiza Zeraik [1] ; Janete Harumi Yariwake [2]
Total Authors: 2
Affiliation:
[1] Universidade de São Paulo. Instituto de Química de São Carlos - Brasil
[2] Universidade de São Paulo. Instituto de Química de São Carlos - Brasil
Total Affiliations: 2
Document type: Journal article
Source: Química Nova; v. 31, n. 5, p. 1259-1262, 2008-00-00.
Abstract

This paper reports on the development of a simple and fast procedure for β-carotene extraction from carrots and its quantification by UV/Vis spectroscopy. Carotenoids extracted from carrots may also be used as alternative reagents for TLC (thin layer chromatography) detection of natural compounds with antioxidant properties, replacing the commercial p.a. grade β-carotene. Although this reagent had around 10% b-carotene, it proved to be as efficient for TLC analysis as the commercial p.a. grade β-carotene. This practice is a useful alternative for teaching undergraduate organic chemistry laboratory classes. (AU)