Purification of n-boc-Rolipram racemate on chiral stationary phase using simulated moving bed chromatography under linear conditions

Chiral stationary phases (CSPs) associated with simulated moving bed (SMB) technology have shown good performance in the purification of racemates. Rolipram, (±)-4-(3-(cyclopentyloxy)-4-methoxyphenyl)-pyrrolidin-2-one), is an antidepressant with significant pharmacological properties. The aim of this work was to purify the n-boc-Rolipram racemate (Rolipram intermediate) on cellulose tris(3,5-dimethylphenylcarbamate) CSP coated on silica by simulated moving bed (SMB) continuous chromatography. The experiments were carried out under diluted conditions. Henry's constants were determined and the system revealed selectivity close to 1.26. Purity and enantiomeric excess of the extract and raffinate streams were evaluated and discussed. Performance parameters of the studied system were determined also. Results showed reasonable performance of the SMB unit to separate the n-boc-Rolipram enantiomers.