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What is the maximum possible theoretical upper limit for the Retardation factor () of any completelyQualitative and Quantitative Analysis Chemistry Question

Question

What is the maximum possible theoretical upper limit for the Retardation factor ($R_f$) of any completely soluble non-adsorbing compound during a standard Thin Layer Chromatography run?

Answer: 1

💡 Solution & Explanation

The $R_f$ value is defined as the ratio of the distance traveled by the solute to the distance traveled by the solvent front. Since the solute can never outpace the solvent carrying it, the maximum theoretical distance the solute can travel is exactly the same as the solvent front, yielding an $R_f$ maximum value of $1$.

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