retention time

Retention time is the period it takes for a substance to pass through a chromatography system, such as a column, and reach the detector. It helps identify and quantify the compound by comparing how long it stays in the system relative to other substances. Factors like the substance’s size, polarity, and interaction with the column affect its retention time. Essentially, it’s a characteristic measurement used to analyze mixtures and determine the presence and amount of specific components in a sample.