Ligand exchange type selectors

Different classifications for the chiral CSPs have been described. They are based on the chemical structure of the chiral selectors and on the chiral recognition mechanism involved. In this chapter we will use a classification based mainly on the chemical structure of the selectors. The selectors are classified in three groups (i) CSPs with low-molecular-weight selectors, such as Pirkle type CSPs, ionic and ligand exchange CSPs, (ii) CSPs with macrocyclic selectors, such as CDs, crown-ethers and macrocyclic antibiotics, and (iii) CSPs with macromolecular selectors, such as polysaccharides, synthetic polymers, molecular imprinted polymers and proteins. These different types of CSPs, frequently used for the analysis of chiral pharmaceuticals, are discussed in more detail later. 

In contrast, CSPs have achieved great repute in the chiral separation of enantiomers by chromatography and, today, are the tools of the choice of almost all analytical, biochemical, pharmaceutical, and pharmacological institutions and industries. The most important and useful CSPs are available in the form of open and tubular columns. However, some chiral capillaries and thin layer plates are also available for use in capillary electrophoresis and thin-layer chromatography. The chiral columns and capillaries are packed with several chiral selectors such as polysaccharides, cyclodextrins, antibiotics, Pirkle type, ligand exchangers, and crown ethers. 

The chiral recognition mechanisms in NLC and NCE devices are similar to conventional liquid chromatography and capillary electrophoresis with chiral mobile phase additives. It is important to note here that, to date, no chiral stationary phase has been developed in microfluidic devices. As discussed above polysaccharides, cyclodextrins, macrocyclic glycopeptide antibiotics, proteins, crown ethers, ligand exchangers, and Pirkle s type molecules are the most commonly used chiral selectors. These compounds... 

The origin of available chiral selectors is natural proteins, oligosaccharides e.g., cyclodextrins (CDs), polysaccharides (e.g., cellulose), antibiotics, and amino acids, semisynthetic (modified oligo- or polysaccharides), and synthetic (Pirkle types, ligand exchange, and synthetic polymers). Development in this field is well reflected by the increasing amount of new selectors introduced in the past few years [2-4],... 

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