The retention factor in paper chromatography, also known as RF, refers to the distance a liquid travels up a chromatography strip. In paper chromatography, there are usually two phases: the stationary phase and mobile phase. The stationary phase refers to the chromatography paper. The mobile phase refers to the liquid solvent. When liquids travel up the chromatography paper, the phases begin to separate. This allows the user to determine the various components of the liquid and the RF phase or value.
- Chromatography paper
- Liquid solution
- Liquid solvent (such as rubbing alcohol)
- Ruler
- Pencil
- Calculator
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Instructions
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1
Wet the end of a strip of chromatography paper in the liquid solution and liquid solvent. Let the paper absorb the solvent, as this will expose the components of the solution. Keep the paper in the liquid until the liquids have stopped moving.
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2
Measure the distance traveled by the test solution on the strip of paper with a ruler. Measure the distance the solvent traveled as well. The distance traveled by the solvent is referred to as "Df," while "Ds" refers to the distance traveled by the solution.
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3
Divide the "Ds" value by the "DF" value to obtain the retention factor. The retention factor value is usually between zero and one.