ABSTRACT
Derivatized polysaccharides coated on silica particles comprise the most widely used chiral stationary phases (CSP). According to a recent survey by Francotte [1], approximately 90% of published analytical separations of racemic compounds are accomplished on these CSPs. This survey also indicated that the number of separations on polysaccharide CSPs is increasing while separations on other CSPs are declining. Francotte’s survey includes a wide variety of journals, not just those specific for separations and analytical applications. This approach includes many
separations developed by nonanalytical chemists and will tend to favor CSPs already on hand in these laboratories. As such, there may be some skewing toward polysaccharide phases as separations will be reported as only being accomplished on the first CSP that provides a useful separation. Publications in analytical journals will skew away from well-established polysaccharide CSPs toward newer phases and surveys that focus on these journals will yield different results. Mechanistic studies will also skew toward more defined CSPs. None of these surveys include the large number of proprietary compounds separated but never published. Despite the limitations of literature surveys, it is fair to say that derivatized polysaccharides are by far the most widely used CSPs in the separation of enantiomers.
