Monolithic stationary phases in classic and chiral pharmaceutical analysis with CEC and pCEC

Abstract

New stationary phases play an important role in the evolution of separation methods. The use of monolithic phases in capillary columns has become rather widespread. The ease of their preparation, their versatility, and the abundance of available chemistries increase their attractiveness, even dethroning the particulate phases. This review paper overviews the different types of monoliths used in capillary electrochromatography and pressurized capillary electrochromatography for the enantiomeric separation of chiral molecules and the analysis of pharmaceutically relevant molecules. The diverse methods of monolith preparation as well as the different types of used materials are discussed, as well as the ways they can be modified to fulfill given analysis needs (e.g., selectivity, efficiency of separation, speed of analysis, and economical interest). In addition, some of the advantages and drawbacks of the different monolithic materials are mentioned.