Retention distance, or R_D, is a concept in thin layer chromatography, designed for quantitative measurement of equal-spreading of the spots on the chromatographic plate and one of the Chromatographic response functions. It is calculated from the following formula:

${\displaystyle R_{D}={\Bigg [}(n+1)^{(n+1)}\prod _{i=0}^{n}{(R_{F(i+1)}-R_{Fi}){\Bigg ]}^{\frac {1}{n))))$

where n is the number of compounds separated, R_{f (1...n)} are the Retention factor of the compounds sorted in non-descending order, R_f0 = 0 and R_f(n+1) = 1.

The coefficient lies always in range <0,1> and 0 indicates worst case of separation (all R_f values equal to 0 or 1), value 1 indicates ideal equal-spreading of the spots, for example (0.25,0.5,0.75) for three solutes, or (0.2,0.4,0.6,0.8) for four solutes.

This coefficient was proposed as an alternative to earlier approaches, such as delta-Rf, delta-Rf product or MRF (Multispot Response Function). Besides its stable range, the advantage is a stable distribution as a random variable, regardless of compounds investigated.

In contrast to the similar concept called Retention uniformity, R_d is sensitive to R_f values close to 0 or 1, or close to themselves. If two values are not separated, it is equal to 0. For example, the R_f values (0,0.2,0.2,0.3) (two compounds not separated at 0.2 and one at the start ) result in R_D equal to 0, but R_U equal to 0.3609. When some distance from 0 and spots occurs, the value is larger, for example R_f values (0.1,0.2,0.25,0.3) give R_D = 0.4835, R_U = 0.4066.

• Chromatographic response function

• Komsta Ł., Markowski W., Misztal G., A proposal for new R_F equal-spread criteria with stable distribution parameters as a random variable. J. Planar Chromatogr. 2007 (20) 27-37.