Surface-enhanced Raman spectrometry of chiral β-blocker drugs on colloidal silver

Surface-enhanced Raman spectra (SERS) and conventional Raman spectra (CRS) of four β-blocker drugs (propranolol, alprenolol, acebutolol and atenolol) are reported. Silver colloidal dispersions prepared by simple tetrahydroborate reduction of silver nitrate are used as substrates. The capability of SERS for spectral fingerprinting of stereoisomer drugs at trace concentration levels is illustrated.