Chemistry
Chromatographic Resolution of Enantiomers Using Chiral Stationary Phases
Quick fact
In the 1970s, the development of chiral stationary phases allowed for the direct separation of enantiomers by chromatography, replacing lengthy and indirect methods. Today, most pharmaceutical chiral analyses rely on this technique.
Why this is interesting
You've probably heard that some molecules can be like left and right hands—but how can chemistry tell them apart? Imagine a lock and key: the right key opens a door, but the left one doesn't even fit. That's the secret behind chromatographic resolution of enantiomers.