Separation of naproxen enantiomers by supercritical/subcritical fluid chromatography.

An isocratic supercritical/subcritical fluid chromatography method for the separation of naproxen enantiomers on the Kromasil CHI-TBB column was investigated. The mobile phase was composed of supercritical CO2 with 2-propanol as modifier. The experimental conditions were temperature 293 K-323 K, pressure 9.4 MPa-21.3 MPa, and 2-propanol concentration 6%-15% (by mass), respectively. The enthalpic contribution to the overall enantiomer transfer energy was more important than the entropic contribution in the temperature range examined. The preferred operation conditions were 293 K, 9.4 MPa, and the concentration of 2-propanol in the mobile phase 11% (by mass).