Chiroptical methods detector

Other more conventional detectors that might ostensibly outperform CD in selectivity are nmr and mass spectrometry, and in fact they do for the analysis of diastereomers, although quantitation is a much more difficult task. They cannot compete with chiroptical methods for the distinction between enantiomers. In nmr detection, derivatization to diastereomers is a prerequisite to enantiomer analysis, and chiral forms of lanthanide reagents can been used with good effect [16,17]. For the analysis of mixtures by either nmr or mass spectrometry, total chromatographic separation is a necessity, so the completeness of the baseline separation is the limiting step not the detector. In contrast CD can be applied to the analysis of enantiomers in mixtures in methods that require no prior separation. 

The basic instrumental needs for chiroptical methods are virtually the same as for other spectroscopic methods, namely, a stable unpolarized illuminating source of sufficient intensity, a wavelength-selection device, sample holder, and detector polarizing elements are essential. Because the only parameter measured in polarimetry and ORD is rotation, the polarizing elements are common to both. A monochromatic source, such as an Na or Hg lamp, is all that is required for polarimetry. Deuterium or halogen lamps are of sufficient intensity for ORD, but highly intense (150 50 W) Xe arc lamps are needed for CD. 

Further, peak overlap results in nonlinear detector response vs concentration. Therefore, some other detection method must be used in conjunction with either of these types of detection. Nevertheless, as can be seen from Figure Ilf, chiroptical detection can be advantageous if there is considerable overlap of the two peaks. In this case, chiroptical detection may reveal that the lea ding and tailing edges of the peak are enantiomerically enriched which may not be apparent from the chromatogram obtained with nonchiroptical detection (Fig. He). 

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