RF Value Full Form

What is the full form of RF Value?

The full form of RF Value is “Retardation or Retention Factor Value”. It is defined as the ratio of distance travelled by solute to distance travelled by solvent. The range of RF Value is from 0 to 1. RF Value is calculated by chromatography. In chromatographic techniques, when the solute added in the stationary phase is compared to the solute added in the mobile phase it shows the difference in the movement of the solute. Due to relative affinities, this difference in the movement of the solute is shown. Relative affinity with the stationary phase is inversely proportional to the RF Value.

How to Calculate RF Value:

Depending upon the nature of solutes in the stationary phase, a chromatogram is created with suitable solvent in the mobile phase. Let's assume there are two solutes: Solute A and Solute B.

Then a solution of A+B is created and then applied at one end of the chromatogram paper and placed in the solvent. Due to different relative affinities, Solute A and Solute B separate on the chromatogram paper. Then, distances traveled by Solute A, Solute B and Solvent are noted from the reference line to calculate the RF Value.

Rf = Distance traveled by the substance from reference line (cm)/Distance traveled by the solvent front from reference line (cm).