Enantioselective solid-phase extraction using Troger's base molecularly imprinted polymers

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) selective for Troger's base were desi gned and synthesised, and HPLC-chromatographic evaluation of polymer recogn ition characteristics was undertaken. Baseline separation of racemic Troger 's base was readily achieved, and enantioseparation factors (alpha) of up t o 4.8 +/- 0.2 were obtained. The high enantioselectivity demonstrated by th ese materials prompted their use to examine the kinetics and thermodynamics of individual enantiomers in a solid-phase extraction (SPE) process. Enant iomer-dependent differences in the rates and extent of adsorption were obse rved. Furthermore, the enantiomeric enrichment of racemates was demonstrate d in batch studies. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.