Capillary electrochromatography with predetermined selectivity obtained through molecular imprinting

This article presents a novel approach to capillary electrochromatography by which predetermined selectivity is achieved. A simple and quick method for the in situ preparation of monolithic molecularly imprinted flow-through polymers inside fused silica capillaries is described. The superporous structure of the polymers permits rapid solvent and electrolyte exchange, as well as easy regeneration of the capillaries by hydrodynamic pumping. Chiral stationary phases were prepared by molecular imprinting of the beta-adrenergic antagonists propranolol and metoprolol. The separation systems were operational within 3 h of the start of capillary preparation. Chiral separations with baseline resolution could be carried out in less than 120 s.