Chromatography Forum

Hi Guys,

Do anyone have application of chiral separation of Dexibuprofen [(S)(+)-Ibuprofen] and [(R)(-)-Ibuprofen.



I have a chiral column "alpha-napthyl urea, 250x4.6mm, 5u" of JT Baker (Mallinkrodt Baker). They have given Ibuprofen, naproxen, fenoprofen, amphetamine etc. under application column in their catalogue. Can I use this column for aforesaid separation. Can anyone forward if application on this column if it is there. I just want to avoid spending on new column if my purpose is solved with JT Baker column.

Hi,

No Replies????

If the supplier doesn't have the application, it probably doesn't exist. Since the molecule is fairly small, you should have a decent chance to separate them even on a standard RP column.

Wasn't it Isaac Newton who said: Why think, just do the experiment!

While I am not familiar with the column type you mention in your post, the compounds you mention in their application note (Ibuprofen, naproxen, fenoprofen, amphetamine ) are not chiral (although some are closely related) and can be separated in a non-chiral environment (ion exchange example: http://www.zirchrom.com/pdf/307.pdf ).

That said it doesn't necessarily mean the column won't be able to separate the pair. Often, optimal chiral separations are happened upon by trial and error where several different types of phases are tried to obtain the best results. I would recommend a google search of the literature to see what is most often used for this compound or perhaps contacting JT Baker (or other chiral column mfgs) to see what route would be most expedient.

Hope this helps!

Kelly Johnson

ZirChrom Separations, Inc.

Dexibuprofen and Ibuprofen are indeed chiral molecules and there is no way to separate them on any SAX or RP columns unless you use chiral modifier in the mobile phase or you derivatize carboxylic acid fragment and create another chiral center.

If you look at Chiracel columns you will find application for these two compounds but they are not fully resolve (at least application I have).

Try standard RP or NP approach on the chiral column you have. Please make sure that solvents are compatible with the stationary phase and you are not going to wash off stationary phase.