Chlorophyll is also known as a chlorin.
While "chlorophyll" is the common and widely recognized name for the pigment responsible for photosynthesis in plants, algae, and cyanobacteria, the term "chlorin" refers to the chemical classification of these molecules. Chlorophylls are structurally related to porphyrins (like those found in hemoglobin), but are specifically reduced relatives, placing them within the chlorin category.
Essentially, "chlorophyll" names a specific type of molecule with a specific function, while "chlorin" describes a broader class of structurally similar molecules. Therefore, while not a direct synonym in everyday language, chlorophyll is a type of chlorin.
