Rapid gas chromatographic separation of amino acid enantiomers with a novel chiral stationary phase.

The use of novel polysiloxanes as stationary phase carrying chiral groups enables the separation of most amino acid enantiomers in a much shorter time than ever reported previously. Phases of this type exhibit very low volatility and high thermal stability and may be used in routine analysis with open tubular columns ant temperatures of at least 175 degrees C. Most protein amino acids are separated in a temperature program between 90 and 175 degrees C, thus obviating the need for multiple injections. Resolution factors are somewhat lower than those of other diamide phases containing the L-valine t-butyl-amide group, but are sufficient for resolution of almost all protein amino acid enantiomers.