Class 11 Chemistry simulations · Organic Chemistry – Some Basic Principles and Techniques

Paper chromatography and Rf

Run a spot of leaf pigment extract up a strip of paper and measure each component’s retardation factor.

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What to notice

Components that are less strongly held by the paper (stationary phase) travel further and have higher R_f.

Key relation

R_f = distance moved by the substance / distance moved by the solvent front

Try this

Stop the run when the solvent has moved 6 cm and calculate R_f of chlorophyll a.

What you can change

• Solvent front distance: 0 to 10 cm

More in Organic Chemistry – Some Basic Principles and Techniques

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