Question

The empirical formula of chlorophyll a is

• A. $C_{55}{H}_{72}{O}_5{N}_4$$Mg$
• B. $C_{55}{H}_{70}{O}_6{N}_4$$Mg$
• C. $C_{55}{H}_{72}{O}_5{N}_4$$Fe$
• D. $C_{55}{H}_{72}{O}_4{N}_5$$Mg$

Answer 1

The correct option is A $C_{55}{H}_{72}{O}_5{N}_4$$Mg$

Chlorophyll pigments trap sunlight during the process of photosynthesis. The chlorophylls are cyclic tetrapyrrole structures having a porphyrin head and a long phytol tail attached to the head. One atom of magnesium is coordinated to the cyclic tetrapyrrole head.

Empirical formula of Chlorophyll a is C${}_{55}$H${}_{72}$77O${}_5$5N${}_4$Mg and that of chlorophyll b is C${}_{55}$H${}_{70}$77O${}_6$5N${}_4$Mg.

Thus, the correct answer is option A.