What is the role and importance of determining the capacity factor of a peak in chromatography? - WKB48191

ENVIRONMENT

• K'
• K prime
• Capacity factor
• role
• importance
• significance

ANSWER

K' (K prime, or capacity factor) in chromatography is used to help assess if a peak is going to give reproducible and linear results over time. This ensures that small errors in mobile phase or pH do not have a large impact on retention time or response of the peak. In addition, the factor shows that the peak is moved sufficiently from the void to keep it away from other compounds that may elute in the void of the column and interfere with the response.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

For additional information, see What is meant by capacity factor in chromatography? and How do I calculate capacity factor of acenaphthene on a reversed-phase C18 column, while using part number 186006363 - Reversed-Phase QC Reference Material?