The use of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) for the separation of
structurally similar substrates is demonstrated, with a model system
comprising removal of phenol from anisole. It is shown experimentally
that the shape and size of the cavity determines the selectivity of se
paration. Hydrogen bonding plays a key role in achieving the separatio
n. For the MIPs synthesised in this work, equilibrium sorption, packed
-bed flow experiments as well as batch experiments were conducted. The
results were analysed in the framework of a suitable mathematical mod
el. Agreement between the experimental and predicted breakthrough curv
es was sound. MIPs could be used to achieve such separations in commer
cially important systems, especially for the removal of trace impuriti
es. The recovery as well as selectivity can be further improved by sel
ecting sorbents resistant to swelling. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd.
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