Optically active synthetic polymers as chiral stationary phases in HPLC

Synthetic, optically active polymers used as CSP are reviewed. The polymers are classified into three major categories, namely, addition polymers, condensation polymers, and cross-linked gels. The emphasis lies on polymethacrylates having helical conformation belonging to the first category. Helical polymethacrylates are synthesized using asymmetric anionic or radical polymerization techniques and show resolving ability towards a wide range of racemate.