Partitioned between aqueous methanol and petroleum ether, the unsaponifiable pigments of Mycobacterium kansasii were all epiphasic. Thin-layer chromatography of these carotenoids showed that M. kansasii formed at least nine pigments. These pigments were identified by their chromatographic properties and spectral characteristics as phytoene, ζ-carotene, neurosporene, lycopene, leprotene, γ-carotene, δ-carotene, α-carotene, and β-carotene. Three additional pigmented spots on thin-layer chromatography found in trace amounts were possibly degradation products of the major carotenoids.
