Calculation of stability constants for the chiral selector–enantiomer interactions from electrophoretic mobilities

Interactions of chiral selectors with enantiomers or with other chiral analytes, underlying their electrophoretic separations, are particular cases of interactions of dissolved species. The interaction model that describes these reversible, fast interactions is simple. Equations describing the model are also simple and applying equations for the calculation of respective equilibrium constants to experimental data is easy using computers. Obtaining the experimental mobility data, necessary for the calculation, is the critical step on the way to stability constants quantitating the strengths of interactions of chiral selectors with enantiomers and other analytes. These data are decisive for both the accuracy and precision of the calculated constants. The meaning and applicability of the particular constant depend on the type of the constant. The common method for the determination of stability constants from electrophoretic migration data is reasonable for low and medium stability constants. For stronger complexing, characterised by stability constants of the order of 104 l/mol, typical of affinity chiral selectors, the method becomes unreliable. For strong complexing giving constants of the order of 105 or higher the method is not applicable in its commonly used form.