Come
R, Values
It represents rentention factor or ratio of fronts. It may be defined as the ratio ofthedistance travelled by
the component from the origin or point ofapplication to the istance moved up bhy the solvent from the same point.
Distance travelled by the solute from the original line
R,=
Distance travelled by the solvent from the original line
Chromatographic
paper
Solvent front
B Spots of different
Constituents
X
b
Original spot of
the mixture
P
Fig. 6.3. Calculation of R, values.
For example, the R, values of substances A, BandC will be as given under:
R,value for A=
X
R, value for B= X
C
R, value for C =
X
Different substance possess different R,values. R, depends upon a number of factors:
() Nature of the substance.
(ii) Nature of the solvent.
(ii) Temperature.
(iv) Presence of impurities.
(v) Quality of the filter paper used.
Chromatography 57
a Calculate the R, values of the blue and red inks by using the formula :
Distance travelled by the blue or red ink from the point of application
R= Distance travelled by the solvent from the original line
OBSERVATIONS ANDCALCULATIONS
Distance travelled Distance travelled
Substance
by different components by solvent
R,Value
Red ink + Blue ink A cm (Red Ink) X cm A/X
Bcm (Blue Ink) X
cm B/X
PRECAUTIONS
1. Use good quality pencil for drawing the reference line so that the mark does not dissolve in the
solvent in which the chromatography is carried out.
2. Always make use of a fine capillary tube.
3. Keep the jar undisturbed and covered during the experiment.
4. Aspot should be small and rich in mixture.
5. Allow the spot to dry before putting the strip in the jar.
6. Keep the strip erect. Do not let it to be curled.
7. Donot allow the spot to dip in the solvent.
EXPERIMENT 6.2
