Enantioseparation by thin-layer chromatography

Abstract

Despite the fact that high-performance liquid chromatography is the predominant technique for analytical and preparative enantioseparations, chiral thin-layer chromatography (TLC) may represent an alternative, especially if fast analysis with simple equipment is required. This chapter describes several approaches in chiral TLC for the separation of amino acids and basic drugs using dl-selenomethionine and β-adrenergic drugs as examples. Analytical approaches include the impregnation of the adsorbent with a chiral selector using pre-coated as well as custom-prepared TLC plates and addition of the selector to the mobile phase directly as well as in the form of copper metal complex. (−)-Quinine and l-amino acids were used as chiral selectors in different manners for enantioseparations.