Rf Values

Rf ValuesChromatography can be used to separate mixtures of coloured compounds – mixtures that are suitable for separation by chromatography include inks, dyes and colouring agents in food…

Simple chromatography is carried out on paper – a spot of the mixture is placed near the bottom of a piece of chromatography paper and the paper is then placed upright in a suitable solvent.Simple chromatography is carried out on paper – a spot of the mixture is placed near the bottom of a piece of chromatography paper and the paper is then placed upright in a suitable solvent.Different chromatograms and the separated components of the mixtures can be identified by calculating the Rf value Rf = distance moved by the compound ÷ distance moved by the solvent

The Rf value of a particular compound is always the same – if the chromatography has been carried out in the same way.This allows industry to use chromatography to identify compounds in mixtures (precisely).