Improved extraction of chlorophyll a and b from algae using dimethyl sulfoxide

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and 90% acetone extracted equal amounts of chlorophyll from diatoms and blue‐green algae, but DMSO was superior to 90% acetone for all green algae tested giving 2–60 times more chlorophyll depending on the species. The absorbance spectra of pure chlorophyll a (and b ) from 600 nm to 750 nm were identical whether dissolved in 90% acetone or a mixture of DMSO and 90% acetone (1:1 v/v). Thus, several equations for estimating chlorophyll concentration based on extinction in 90% acetone are applicable with this solvent.