Role of Chromatograph-based Analytical Techniques in Quantification of Chiral Compounds: An Update

Background: Chiral purity is a critical quality attribute of pharmaceutical materials as chiral compounds are known to exhibit different pharmacological and toxicological properties as compared to those of their enantiomers (or diastereomers for molecules with multiple chiral centers). It is important to note that about 40% of the synthetic drugs are chiral, 60% of all pharmaceuticals are chiral and 45% chiral drugs are sold as racemates. The objective of the current review is to discuss various chromatographic techniques used for the separation of chiral compounds. Methods: Various bibliographic databases of previously published peer-reviewed research papers were explored and systematic data has been compiled in terms of various chromatographic techniques used for chiral compounds’ separation. A comparison of different techniques as well as their advantages is also discussed. Results: A comprehensive review of 130 papers including both, research and review articles, was carried out. The analytical techniques have been discussed in detail. Apart from chromatographic techniques, other techniques such as circular dichroism, nuclear magnetic resonance, UV-visible spectroscopy using cyclodextrin derivatives have also been highlighted. Conclusion: The pharmaceutical industries need analytical methods to conclude enantiomeric concentration and obtain a drug with a single stereo configuration. Sensitive techniques such as HPLC, GCMS and LCMS, etc. are used for identification and quantification of single enantiomers, specifically in drug discovery and development.