Question

Which of the following is defined as the ratio of moles of solute in stationary phase to the moles of solute in the mobile phase?

(a) Distribution constant

(b) Volumetric phase ratio

(c) Retention factor

(d) Total porosity

The question was posed to me in an interview.

The origin of the question is Chromatographic Behaviour of Solutes in chapter Chromatography of Analytical Instrumentation

Answer 1

Correct choice is (c) Retention factor

The best explanation: Retention factor is defined as the ratio of moles of solute in stationary phase to the moles of solute in the mobile phase. It is used for determining the migration rates of solutes in the column.