AssayIndex
Chromatography

Capacity factor (k')

Retention relative to the unretained time: (t − t₀)/t₀. A k' below 1 means the compound is barely retained and is not usefully separated.

Related terms

Void volume
The volume of mobile phase within the column. Determines the dead time. A void marker injection calibrates the retention axis and is cheap and rarely done.

Where this term appears

The glossary exists to make record pages readable without a chemistry degree. Every technical term on a report resolves here.