Molecular recognition in cinchona alkaloid molecular imprinted polymer rods

A series of cinchona alkaloids has been employed as templates for the preparation of in situ molecularly imprinted polymer rods for use as liquid chromatographic chiral stationary phases. The utility of the functional monomers 2-(trifluoromethyl)acrylic acid and methacrylic acid has been compared. The observed differences in selectivity of the imprinted polymer have provided information regarding the nature of functional monomer–template interactions.