Allylamine-beta-cyclodextrin copolymer - A novel chiral selector for capillary electrophoresis

A novel, positively charged, copolymer of allylamine and 2-hydroxy-3-methac ryloyl-beta-cyclodextrin was synthesized to be used as a chiral selector in capillary electrophoresis. In the copolymer, cyclodexuin molecules are spa ced from the backbone though a spacer arm which prevents sterical hindrance of the CD cavity. The self-mobility of the CD polymer in its charged form, opposite to the analytes, is the cause for the enhanced separation factor provided by this selector. Moreover, the positive charged polymer induces a reversal of electroosmotic flow which is beneficial in enantioseparations of acidic compounds as it reduces analysis time and increases peak efficien cy. The ability of this copolymer to act as a CE chiral selector in the sep aration of 2,4-dinitrophenylamino acid enantiomers was investigated in coat ed and uncoated capillaries and its performance was much better then that o f native beta-cyclodextrin. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science BN. All rights reserv ed.