Direct TLC resolution of atenolol and propranolol into their enantiomers using three different chiral selectors as impregnating reagents.

Direct resolution of racemic atenolol and propranolol into their enantiomers was achieved by normal phase TLC on silica gel plates impregnated with optically pure L-tartaric acid, (R)-mandelic acid and (-)-erythromycin as chiral selectors. Different solvent systems were worked out to resolve the enantiomers. Spots were detected using iodine vapour. The TLC method was validated for linearity, limit of detection and limit of quantification. The influence of pH, temperature and concentration of chiral selector was studied.