Use of cationic cyclodextrin for enantioseparation by capillary electrophoresis

The usability of 2-hydroxy-3-trimethylammoniopropyl-beta-cyclodextrin for chiral discrimination of various basic and acidic substances is described. The dependence of chiral separation on cyclodextrin (CD) concentration and pH value was investigated. Altering the pH value the migration order of the enantiomers of acidic analytes could be changed. Due to the quaternary ammonium structure of the CD molecule, a reversal of the electroosmotic flow (EOF) was observed. The direction of the migration of CD molecule was in opposite direction to the EOF because of its positive charge. The influence of CD concentration and pH on the EOF was determined. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.