Optimization of lambda-carrageenan as a chiral selector in capillary electrophoresis separations

Lambda-carrageenan, a linear high molecular weight sulfated polysaccharide, was employed as a chiral selector in capillary electrophoresis for the sep aration of enantiomers of weakly basic pharmaceutical compounds. In order t o improve the utility of the chiral selector, the purity and concentration of the lambda-carrageenan and other important capillary electrophoresis met hod parameters were investigated. The results indicated that the purity and concentration of the lambda-carrageenan, ionic strength of the buffer, and temperature were critical to successful enantioseparation. These new metho d conditions were then applied to previously investigated beta-blockers (su ch as propranolol HCl and pindolol) and racemic tryptophan derivatives. The se studies were successful in identifying important method conditions for t he improved enantioselectivity with lambda-carrageenan. (C) 2000 Wiley-Liss , Inc.