Modification of Pmma Microspheres and its Application in the Separation of Chiral Drugs

Abstract

The separation of chiral drugs is of great significance to human beings. β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) has strong chiral separation ability due to its special structural characteristics and chiral environment. 4-chloroprene isocyanate (4CPI) also plays an important role in the separation of chiral drugs. Here, we designed and prepared a chiral stationary phase: 4-chlorophenyl isocyanate-β-cyclodextrin stationary phase (4CPI-β-CD@PMMA). We synthesized PMMA microspheres with uniform particle size and good monodispersity by modified seed polymerization and seed swelling methods. Diazo resin (DR) was used as a coupling agent to connect PMMA microspheres with 4CPI-β-CD to prepare a stationary phase with chiral recognition ability. At the same time, PMMA microspheres and 4CPI-β-CD were characterized. Compared with the traditional chromatographic column with silica spheres as fillers, PMMA microspheres are more efficient in preparation, better monodispersity, and better mechanical properties as chromatographic fillers. Finally, the separation performance of chiral chromatographic columns was tested by RP-HPLC, and four chiral drugs were successfully separated. This paper provides a new idea for the preparation of chiral stationary phase.

Keywords: PMMA microspheres, β-cyclodextrin, 4-chloroprene isocyanate, chiral stationary phase, chiral drugs