Liquid Chromatographic Resolution of Aryl α‐Amino Ketones on Chiral Stationary Phases Based on (+)‐(18‐Crown‐6)‐2,3,11,12‐Tetracarboxylic Acid

Abstract

Liquid chromatographic two chiral stationary phases (CSPs) based on (+)‐(18‐crown‐6)‐2,3,11,12‐tetracarboxylic acid were successfully applied in the resolution of aryl α‐amino ketones, including cathinone, the (S)‐enantiomer of which is a psychoactive alkaloid found in the leaves of the khat plant. The chromatographic resolution behaviors were found to be dependent on the type, and the content, of organic and acidic modifiers in aqueous mobile phase. In addition, one of the two CSPs was demonstrated to be quite useful in the determination of the enantiomeric purity of cathinone.

Keywords:

• Chiral phase
• Chiral separation
• Crown ether
• Aryl α‐amino ketones
• Cathinone

Acknowledgment

This work has been supported by KISTEP (NRL Program: M1‐0318‐00‐0005).