An overview of analytical methods for enantiomeric determination of chiral pollutants in environmental samples and biota

Abstract

Chirality is a relevant topic in pharmaceutical, food and agrochemical fields because enantiomers, in spite of their similar physical-chemical properties, can exhibit different dynamics, kinetics and effects. Their enantiomeric determination implies a significant analytical challenge because of their identical physical-chemical properties, except light rotation. This review provides a state-of-the-art overview of analytical methods reported from 2010 to the date for the determination of chiral pollutants, including pharmaceuticals, pesticides, musk fragrances, perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), brominated flame retardants (BFRs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), in environmental samples and biota. Recent reviews in this topic, mainly focused on pharmaceuticals and pesticides, have been also included. Special attention has been focused on analytical techniques most commonly applied for such determination. Finally, future trends and mainly challenges to be overcome are stated.