Separation of Stereoisomers

Stereoisomers are isomeric molecules that have the same molecular constitution, but a different three-dimensional spatial arrangement of the atoms. These could be broadly classified as enantiomers and diastereomers. Different enantiomers bind to different receptors and possibly bring about different reactions. For this reason, stereoselective separation methods are valuable tools in the pharmaceutical, food, and agricultural fields. Liquid chromatography and supercritical fluid chromatography are the most popular techniques used for chiral separations. This chapter presents an overview of the different chromatographic parameters that are important when developing a chiral method in SFC. Different stationary phases and their properties are described and a comparison of SFC with other techniques, also suitable for enantioselective separations, is made. An overview of applications in the pharmaceutical, agricultural, and food industries, using SFC, from the last 10 years is presented. Diastereomers can be separated using classical separation methods, and a brief mention of these applications is also made.