Question

To effectively separate different components of a mixture on a chromatography column, a difference in Rf value of at least ________ is necessary. A. 0.1 B. 0.2 C. 0.4 D. 0.8

Answer 1

0.1

Step-by-step explanation:

The retention factor is the ratio of distance traveled by sample to distance traveled by solvent. Its values range between 0-1. Zero means that the solvent is too nonpolar and its polarity must be reduced. An Rf of 1 means that the solvent is too polar and its polarity must be decreased. Two substances must differ in Rf at least by 0.1 to be effectively separated by chromatography.