Allylamine–β-cyclodextrin copolymer: A novel chiral selector for capillary electrophoresis

A novel, positively charged, copolymer of allylamine and 2-hydroxy-3-methacryloyl-β-cyclodextrin was synthesized to be used as a chiral selector in capillary electrophoresis. In the copolymer, cyclodextrin molecules are spaced from the backbone though a spacer arm which prevents sterical hindrance of the CD cavity. The self-mobility of the CD polymer in its charged form, opposite to the analytes, is the cause for the enhanced separation factor provided by this selector. Moreover, the positive charged polymer induces a reversal of electroosmotic flow which is beneficial in enantioseparations of acidic compounds as it reduces analysis time and increases peak efficiency. The ability of this copolymer to act as a CE chiral selector in the separation of 2,4-dinitrophenylamino acid enantiomers was investigated in coated and uncoated capillaries and its performance was much better then that of native β-cyclodextrin.