Looking a molecular structures (e.g. of chlorophyll, carotene) how can I explain the differences in Rf values?

Question

Using the molecular structures chlorophyll a and b and the structures for carotene, neoxanthin, violaxanthin, and lutein explain the differences in Rf values obtained???

Answer 1

The Rf values are affected by the molecular weights and the charges of the pigments. Those and the solubility of the pigments in the chromatography solvent explain why the pigments travel different distances during the chromatography process.