HPTLC separation of aromatic α-amino acid enantiomers on a new histidine-based stationary phase using ligand exchange

Summary A new chiral ligand exchange selector for hydrophobic stationary phase modification has been synthesized by selective alkylation of L-histidine at the pyrrolic nitrogen atom in its imidazolic ring. Its performance was then tested on RP-HPTLC plates treated with copper acetate. Significant selectivity towards aromatic amino acid enantiomers, was observed. Chromatographic retention data were compared to available thermodynamic complex formation parameters for the relevant model systems in aqueous solution.Stationary and mobile phase effects on retention were studied by using different RP-HPTLC plates and various binary aqueous solvent mixtures.Optimized separation conditions for aromatic amino acid sample class are given.