Chiral ligand exchange chromatography on polygalactomannan (Guaran)

Summary The Chiral discriminating properties of the legume seed (Cyamopsis tetragonalobus) polysaccharide, guaran, has been investigated by this laboratory. Due to the presence of cis-hydroxyl groups in its molecule, guaran a galactomannan, forms tetracoordinated polymeric complexes with boron, resulting in cross-linking and gelling. Ligand exchange between the polymeric boron complex and a low molecular weight chiral diol can take place with stereoselectivity. The principle has been applied for the resolution of (±) mandelic acid by using ligand exchange chromatography.