Chiral metal-organic frameworks-based materials for chromatographic enantioseparation

The homochiral compounds play an important role in human health and pharmaceutical industry. Currently, the chromatographic enantioseparation has become one of the most effective and practical approach to obtain pure enantiomers. Herein, the exploration of advanced materials, using as chromatographic chiral stationary phases for racemic separation, has attracted great attention. Thanks to their high enantioselectivity and controllable synthesis, the emerging chiral metal-organic frameworks (CMOFs) have been widely studied as the stationary phase in chromatographic technology. In this review, we will summarize the principles of synthetic strategies and mechanism of chiral microenvironment. In particular, the recent progress and research hotspot of CMOFs regarding as the chiral stationary phases in gas chromatography (GC), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and capillary electrochromatography (CEC), are elucidated systematically according to the published work. Last but not the least, we also highlight the challenges and perspectives of rational design of CMOFs, as well as their corresponding racemic separation. We envision that the review will provide a further understanding of CMOFs and facilitate the development of chromatographic enantioselective applications.