With support from the Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Acquisition Program, the Department of Chemistry at Claflin University will acquire a capillary electrophoresis system. The instrument will be used in a chiral separation research program initiated in the chemistry department. The research will investigate the separation of racemic mixtures of optically active compounds such as polychlorinated biphenyls, cyclodextrins and amino acid based chiral surfactants.
Capillary electrophoresis (CE) is a technique for separating chemical mixtures rapidly and efficiently. Small amounts of the mixture are passed through a narrow tube driven by an electric field. Materials can be obtained in high purity by this method that is automated and uses small volumes of solvents. The CE system will be used in research, research training and laboratory course work for undergraduates in chemistry, biology, biochemistry, environmental science and physical science classes.
