I used a Chiral AGP column for the separation of bupivacaine enantiomers with HPLC (use of phosphate buffer, IPA, ph7). However, I need increased sensitivity, and must transfer the method to LCMS. I used the same chiral column, but tried with different volatile buffers, organic solvent, etc., and still cannot separate the isomer (I suspect that the phosphate buffer is the main reason, but I can't use it in the LCMS).

I am now thinking of using chiral derivatization and then use a reversed-phase column with LCMS. I have no experience in chiral derivatization, can you please give me some suggestions? (for which type of chiral derivatizing agent to use, etc.)

In addition, I see that no literatures have used chiral derivatization for bupivacaine enantiomers separation (they only use chiral AGP column), and I'm thinking, is there any special reason for this?

Thanks so much for all your help!

I'm not sure about derivatization, but maybe have a look in this paper (just published on sciencedirect) to see of your compound can be analyzed by chiral LC-MS.

Journal: Journal of Chromatography A
ISSN : 0021-9673
Volume : 1035
Issue : 2
Date : 07-May-2004
Transforming chiral liquid chromatography methodologies into more
sensitive liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization mass
spectrometry without losing enantioselectivity
M.J. Desai, D.W. Armstrong
pp 203-210

Good luck
Jan

Thanks for your help. I'll look into it.