Use of cyclodextrins for the enantioselective separation of ergot alkaloids by capillary zone electrophoresis

Abstract

Ergot alkaloid enantiomer derivatives were resolved using capillary zone electrophoresis. The effect of cyclodextrins, added to the background electrolyte, on the migration time and the resolution was studied. Good separation for epimericergot alkaloid derivatives was also obtained using phosphate buffer at pH 2.5. Separation was improved by supplementing the background electrolyte with 30 mM of γ-cyclodextrin. Good resolution of racemic ergot alkaloid derivatives in their enantiomers was achieved in a background electrolyte containing either β-cyclodextrin or its derivative, or γ-cyclodextrin.