Liquid chromatographic enantiomer separation of racemic amine using chiral crown ether stationary phase

Direct enantioseparation of racemic amine, amino-thiophene-2-yl-acetonitrile (TAN), on chiral crown ether stationary phase [Crownpak CR (+)] is described in this study. The elution behavior and the effect of acid additives on resolution of racemic amine, TAN, is intensely investigated. Moreover, the chiral recognition mechanism in this specific system is proposed based on computational methods with the density functional theory. Diastereomeric complexation of the ammonium ion of racemic amine inside the cavity of chiral crown ether appears essential for the chiral discrimination. The pH of the mobile phase containing acid additives also acts as an important factor for the chiral recognition.