Chromatography Rf Calculator
Calculate Rf value from substance migration distance and solvent front distance in TLC or paper chromatography.
How to Use the Rf Calculator
- Measure the distance the substance traveled from the baseline.
- Measure the distance the solvent front traveled.
- Enter both values and click Calculate.
Use Cases
- •TLC analysis in organic chemistry.
- •Identifying compounds by Rf comparison.
- •Quality control in pharmaceutical labs.
Formula
Formula: Rf = Distance traveled by substance / Distance traveled by solvent front.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rf value?
The Rf (retardation factor) is a dimensionless value between 0 and 1 that indicates how far a substance travels relative to the solvent front in chromatography.
What Rf value indicates a non-polar compound?
In normal-phase TLC with non-polar solvents, non-polar compounds have high Rf values (>0.7). In reverse-phase, the opposite applies.
Can Rf be greater than 1?
No. Rf values range from 0 (no movement) to less than 1 (less than solvent front). Values greater than 1 indicate measurement error.