LACTIC-ACID ENANTIOMERS - SEPARATION BY THIN-LAYER CHROMATOGRAPHY ON SILICA-GEL PLATES IMPREGNATED WITH CU-2+

A simple and fast method for the separation of d- and l-lactic acid enantiomers by thin-layer chromatographic silica gel precoated plates impregnated with Cu(II) is proposed. The two lactic acid enantiomers, dissolved in acetone, are deposed on these plates, d- and l-lactic acids form complexes with Cu(II), with different Rf values, suitable for radiochemical measurements. The real separation was confirmed by enzymatic tests carried out on spots of d and l forms scraped from the chromatographic plates. Total radioactivity of 14C-labeled d- and l-lactic acids was recovered. A Cu/lactic acid complex is evidenced. © 1991.