Gas chromatographic simulated moving bed separation of the enantiomers of the inhalation anesthetic enflurane

A gas chromatographic simulated moving-bed (SMB) laboratory unit for the separation of volatile enantiomers has been realized and the continuous gas chromatographic separation of the enantiomers of the volatile inhalation anesthetic enflurane has been performed. A chiral stationary phase based on a gamma-cyclodextrin derivative, dissolved in an apolar polysiloxane and coated on Chromosorb particles has been used. The particle size has been carefully selected for the desired separation. Several experiments were performed at 35 degrees C with different flow rates and switch times, leading to different separation regimes, including complete separation of the two enantiomers. The experimental results are presented and discussed in the light of the theoretical understanding of GC-SMB behavior. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.