Use of cyclodextrins in capillary zone electrophoresis: Resolution of terbutaline and propranolol enantiomers

Terbutaline and propranolol were resolved using capillary zone electrophoresis. The effect of the type and the amount of cyclodextrins added to the background electrolyte on the migration time and the resolution of their enantiomers was studied. Good resolution of the racemic terbutaline was obtained using phosphate buffer at pH 2.5 containing either 5 mM heptakis(2,6-di-0-methyl)+cyclodextrin or 15 mM p-cyclodextrin. The background electrolyte, 50 mM phosphate buffer (pH = 2.5) - 4 M urea - 40 mM jj-cyclodextrin in 30% (v/v) methanol, on the other hand, gave the best resolution of propranolol enantiomers. INTRODUCTION