Symmetrization of Peaks in Chiral Chromatography with an Area- Invariant Resolution Enhancement Method

A majority of enantiomeric separations show some degree of peak asymmetry, which is detrimental to quantitative and semi quantitative chiral analysis. This paper presents a simple and rapid peak symmetrization algorithm for the correction or reduction of peak tailing or fronting in exponentially modified Gaussians. Raw chromatographic data can be symmetrized by adding a correct fraction of the first derivative to the chromatogram. The area remains invariant since the area under the first derivative is zero for a pure Gaussian and numerically close to zero for asymmetric peaks. A method of easily extracting the distortion parameter is provided, as well as insight into how pre-smoothing the data with the perfect smoother algorithm can suppress high frequencies effectively. The central difference method is also used to compute the first derivative, reducing root-mean-square noise by up to 28% compared to the standard forward difference method. A survey of 40 chiral separations is presented, demonstrating the range of asymmetry observed in chiral separations. Examples of symmetrization of the peaks from enantiomers in comparable and disproportionate concentrations are also provided. Artifacts of deconvolution are discussed, along with methods to mitigate such artifacts.

Automated summary

This paper presents an algorithm for peak symmetrization, addressing the issue of peak asymmetry in chiral analysis. The algorithm involves adding the correct fraction of the first derivative to the chromatogram to symmetrize raw chromatographic data. The paper also provides methods for extracting the distortion parameter and suppressing high frequencies using the perfect smoother algorithm. Additionally, a survey of 40 chiral separations is presented, demonstrating the range of asymmetry observed, along with examples of symmetrization of enantiomer peaks in comparable and disproportionate concentrations.