Liquid chromatography general separation process

At present moment, no generally feasible method exists for the large-scale production of optically pure products. Although for the separation of virtually every racemic mixture an analytical method is available (gas chromatography, liquid chromatography or capillary electrophoresis), this is not the case for the separation of racemic mixtures on an industrial scale. The most widely applied method for the separation of racemic mixtures is diastereomeric salt crystallization [1]. However, this usually requires many steps, making the process complicated and inducing considerable losses of valuable product. In order to avoid the problems associated with diastereomeric salt crystallization, membrane-based processes may be considered as a viable alternative. 

The primary focus of this chapter in on general approaches and considerations toward development of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods for separation of pharmaceutical compounds, which may be applied within the various functions in the drug development continuum. It is very important to understand the aim of analysis and the requirements for a particular method to be developed. The aim of analysis of each HPLC method may vary for each developmental area in the drug development process and specific examples are given in Section 8.2. 

As the mobile phase moves through the capillary containing the sorbent under the effect of this electro-osmotic flow (EOF), sample components partition between the two phases in sorption and diffusive mechanisms characteristic of liquid chromatography. Ions in the sample move both under the influence of EOF and by their added attraction toward the oppositely charged electrode (electrophoresis). Uncharged components, on the other hand, move only under the influence of EOF. Thus, sample components, in general, separate by chromatographic and, sometimes, electrophoretic processes. 

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