Direct resolution of (+/-)-ephedrine and atropine into their enantiomers by impregnated TLC

Direct resolution of (+/-)-ephedrine and atropine into their enantiomers wa s achieved by normal-phase thin laver chromatography on silica gel plates i mpregnated with optically pure L-tartaric acid and L-histidine, respectivel y, as chiral selectors. The mobile phases enabling successful resolution we re different combinations of acetonitrile-methanol-water. The spots were de tected with iodine vapours and the detection limits were 2 and 6 mug, respe ctively, in terms of the racemate. The effects of concentration of the impr egnating reagent, temperature and pH on resolution have been studied. Copyr ight (C) 2001 John Wiley Br Sons, Ltd.