For chromatographs that display two or more components (spots), how does Rf relate to the polarity of the component?

Question

This is in organic chemistry and the topic is on thin layer chromatography

Answer 1

That typically depends on the nature of the mobile and stationary phases. In general, the stationary phase is polar and the mobile phase can be a variety of solvents but again it is usually more non-polar. Thus, IN GENERAL, more polar compounds will bind to the stationary phase and have a lower Rf value than the more non-polar compounds which will travel further up the plate.