Monoliths with chiral surface functionalization for enantioselective capillary electrochromatography

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Separation Science
• Chromatography

Background:

• Capillary electrochromatography (CEC) is a powerful separation technique.
• Enantiomer separations are critical in pharmaceutical and chemical analysis.
• Monolithic capillary columns offer unique advantages for CEC.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively review the state-of-the-art in CEC enantiomer separations using monolithic capillary columns.
• To discuss various types of monolithic columns and their properties.
• To identify the most promising column type for future CEC enantiomer separations.

Main Methods:

• Literature survey of monolithic column types for CEC enantiomer separations.
• Discussion of materials synthesis, chemistry, properties, and column aspects.
• Inclusion of molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) monoliths and silica monoliths.

Main Results:

• Various monolithic columns (organic polymer, MIP, silica, particle-based) were analyzed.
• Monolithic MIP-type porous layer open-tubular (PLOT) columns were also considered.
• Silica monoliths demonstrated significant potential for enantiomer separations.

Conclusions:

• Monolithic silica capillaries are identified as the preferred column type for CEC enantiomer separations.
• This preference is particularly noted for low-molecular drugs and chiral pharmaceuticals/chemicals.
• The review highlights the advancements and future directions in monolithic column technology for chiral separations.