Chiral separation of (R,S)-2-phenyl-1-propanol through glutaraldehyde-crosslinked chitosan membranes

This work reports the study of the chiral resolution of (R,S)-2-phenyl-1-propanol with glutaraldehyde-crosslinked chitosan membrane (GCCM). In order to optimize the permselective properties of the chitosan membrane, the influences of different parameters such as degree of crosslinking, operating pressure, and copper (II) ions have been studied. The chemical characterization and top surface/cross-section were analyzed by Fourier transforms infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. The experimental results showed that chitosan membrane with 72% of swelling index was used for the optical resolution of (R,S)-2-phenyl-1-propanol racemic mixture, 90% of enantiomeric excess (%e.e.) was obtained. As the chitosan membrane possesses potent advantages for practical use in industrial scale, this article indicates that the enantioselective chitosan membrane could soon become very attractive.