Ultra-high resolution separation of diastereomers on carbon adsorption stationary phases

Reversed-phase adsorption liquid chromatography was used to successfully resolve diastereomers in a complex mixture of low molecular weight polystyrene oligomers. The separation was achieved by incorporating a two-dimensional liquid chromatography system where the polystyrene oligomers were transported from the first dimensional column, a C18, to an adsorbent phase in the second dimension, a carbon clad zirconia (CCZ) column. Using this system up to 46 diastereomers, each consisting of eight configurational repeat units, were able to be resolved in ultra high separations.