What Is Capacity Factor?

Chromatographic term refers to the mass ratio of the components in the stationary phase and the mobile phase when the components reach equilibrium in two phases (stationary phase and mobile phase) at a certain temperature and pressure. The symbol is lowercase k, and the capacity factor is often called Retention factor

Capacity factor

capacity factor, k

Type and concentration of capacity factor ion pair reagent

As the carbon chain length increases, the k of the solute increases; within a certain range, the concentration of the reagent increases, and the k of the solute increases.

pH Capacity factor mobile phase pH

Conducive to component and ion-pairing reagent ionization (formation of ion-pair), the component's k value is the largest

Capacity factor stationary phase, mobile phase properties

(Same as general RP-HPLC).