In chromatography, the retardation factor (R) is defined as the fraction of an analyte in the mobile phase of a chromatographic system. In planar chromatography in particular, the retardation factor (Rf) is defined as the ratio of the distance traveled by the center of a spot to the distance traveled by the solvent front. Ideally, the values for RF are equivalent to the R values used in column chromatography.
It is important to note that, although the term retention factor is sometimes used synonymously with retardation factor (Rf), in regards to planar chromatography, the term is not defined in this context. However, in column chromatography, the retention factor (k) is defined as the ratio of time an analyte is retained in the stationary phase to the time it is retained in the mobile phase.
Read more about Retardation Factor: General Definition, Planar Chromatography, Relationship With Retention Factor, See Also
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