Separation Technologies Solutions: #2

2. A. Could you separate a mixture of enantiomers based on their physical properties?

No. Enantiomers have the exact same physical properties. To separate enantiomers, it is necessary to exploit their differing reactivities.

B. Could you tell the difference between two enantiomers based on their NMR spectra? Their UV-vis spectra? Their IR or Raman spectra? Their gas chromatograph? Their mass spectra?

No, no, no, no, and no.

C. Is there any way to separate enantiomers other than making the diastereomeric salt and then exploiting the different physical properties of the two diastereomers? If so, explain how your technique would work.

Yes, you could use a chiral column. Chiral columns are columns that are filled with chiral materials that will slow down different enantiomers to different degrees based on their chemical reactivities. Remember, it takes a hand to recognize a hand!