Monolithic stationary phases for enantioselective capillary electrochromatography

Monolithic capillary electrochromatography (CEC) columns containing polymer ized quinidine carbamate units have been prepared and used for enantioselec tive separations of modified amino acids. Optimization of both monolithic s tructure and mobile phase variables such as the ionic strength, type, and c omposition of eluent affords enantioselective CEC separations characterized by both high resolution and efficiency. For example, an efficiency of up t o 250,000 plates/m was achieved for the separation of 2,4-dinitrophenyl-der ivatized amino acids. The simple preparation together with the large variab ility of readily available chemistries make the monolithic separation media an attractive alternative to capillary columns packed with beads. (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.