Because the retention factor shows the true retention of a compound i.e. the degree of interaction with the stationary phase. The retention time is only an indication.For example, if you connect a large length of tubing between the column and the detector, the retention time increases but the actual retention has not changed. Also the retention factor is useful for problem solving because it is a ratio of the time the component interacts with stationary phase over the time the component spends in the mobile phase. If the flow changes, the retention time will change but the retention factor will remain the same. If selectivity changes (for example the temperature or mobile phase composition or the column), the retention factor will change.
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Great Explanation...Thank U
You are welcome.
what is meant if retention factor is greater than 1, or less than 1?
How do l find the unretained time?
Why is important to know retention factor?
Because the retention factor shows the true retention of a compound i.e. the degree of interaction with the stationary phase. The retention time is only an indication.For example, if you connect a large length of tubing between the column and the detector, the retention time increases but the actual retention has not changed. Also the retention factor is useful for problem solving because it is a ratio of the time the component interacts with stationary phase over the time the component spends in the mobile phase. If the flow changes, the retention time will change but the retention factor will remain the same. If selectivity changes (for example the temperature or mobile phase composition or the column), the retention factor will change.