Optimization of capillary electrophoretic separation of chlorpheniramine enantiomers by a Plackett-Burman design. Determination of enantiomeric purity of dexchlorpheniramine

A three-leveled Plackett-Burman experimental design was used for the optimi zation of enantiomeric separation of chlorpheniramine by capillary zone ele ctrophoresis using hydroxypropyl-beta -cyclodextrin as chiral recognition a gent. In this study, the effects of five important factors, namely, pH of t he buffer, concentration of chiral selector, organic cations composing the background electrolyte, organic solvent and applied voltage upon resolution , migration time, and peak efficiency were investigated. The optimum separa tion conditions deduced from the effects were used to determine the amount of the (-)-isomer as impurity in a (+)-chlorpheniramine raw substance and t wo dexchlorpheniramine commercial tablets. It was found that the impurity l evels were between 1 and 2%.