The Chemicals Behind the Colours of Autumn Leaves (2014)
4 days ago
- #leaves
- #chemistry
- #autumn
- Autumn leaves change color due to chemical compounds with conjugated double bonds absorbing visible light.
- Chlorophyll, responsible for green leaves, decomposes in autumn, revealing other pigments.
- Carotenoids and flavonoids contribute yellows, oranges, and reds as chlorophyll levels drop.
- Anthocyanins, synthesized in autumn, provide red, purple, and magenta hues and may protect leaves from light damage.
- Leaf color is influenced by chemical compounds like beta-carotene, lutein, lycopene, and anthocyanins.