Direct HPLC separation of enantiomers of pantoprazole and other benzimidazole sulfoxides using cellulose-based chiral stationary phases in reversed-phase mode

A direct, isocratic, and simple reversed-phase HPLC method was described for the separation of enantiomers of the proton pump inhibitor, rac-pantoprazole (PAN) using cellulose-based chiral stationary phases (Chiralcel OD-R and Chiralcel OJ-R). Some structurally related chiral benzimidazole sulfoxides, rac-omeprazole (OME) and rac-lansoprazole (LAN), were also studied. Chiralcel OJ-R was successful in the resolution of enantiomers of rac-PAN and rac-OME, while Chiralcel OD-R was most suitable for resolving the enantiomers of rac-LAN. Highest enantioselectivity to rac-PAN and rac-OME was achieved on Chiralcel OJ-R by using acetonitrile as an organic modifier, whereas methanol afforded better resolution of rac-LAN on Chiralcel OD-R than acetonitrile. Increases in buffer concentration and column temperature decreased retention and did not improve the resolution of the enantiomers on both columns. Using a mixture of 50 mM sodium perchlorate solution and acetonitrile as a mobile phase at a now rate of 0.5 ml/min, maximum separation factors of 1.26 and 1.13 were obtained for the enantiomers of rac-PAN and rac-OME using a Chiralcel OJ-R column, while maximum separation factor of 1.16 was obtained for the enantiomers of rac-LAN using a Chiralcel OD-R column. (C) 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.