Moment analysis by affinity capillary electrophoresis for study of reaction kinetics between phenylboronic acid and monoccharides

A moment analysis method was applied to study intermolecular interactions between phenylboronic acid and monosaccharides. The values of first absolute and second central moments of elution peaks, measured by affinity capillary electrophoresis (ACE), were analyzed on the basis of the moment theory to determine those of association equilibrium constant and association and dissociation rate constants of the intermolecular interactions. Their values were fairly in agreement with results reported in previous studies. The moment analysis method using ACE has some advantages in comparison with conventional spectroscopic methods. For example, neither immobilization nor fluorescence labelling of solute and/or ligand molecules is required when ACE data are measured. Because the principles of the method are different from those of ordinary spectroscopic ones, this method contributes to the kinetic study of intermolecular interactions from various perspectives. A comparison was made between intrinsic characteristics of the moment analysis method and those of two historical ones developed by the Whitesides and Krylov groups. Some restrictive features of the moment analysis method were also explained. It is concluded that the moment analysis method using ACE is effective as one experimental method for the analysis of intermolecular interactions. Graphical Abstract Moment analysis method was developed for the kinetic study of intermolecular interactions between solute and ligand molecules. Rate constants of chemical reactions are determined from the first absolute and second central moments of elution peaks measured by affinity capillary electrophoresis (ACE). In comparison with conventional methods, the moment analysis method using ACE has some intrinsic advantages and restrictions.