Simple resolution of enantiomeric NMR signals of α-amino acids by using samarium(III) nitrate with L-tartarate

Readily available L-tartaric acid, which is a bidentate ligand with two chiral centers forming a seven-membered chelate ring, was applied to the chiral ligand for the chiral nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) shift reagent of samarium(III) formed in situ. This simple method does not cause serious signal broadening in the high magnetic field. Enantiomeric ¹³C and ¹H NMR signals and enantiotopic ¹H NMR signals of α-amino acids were successfully resolved at pH 8.0 and the 1:3 molar ratio of Sm(NO₃)₃:L-tartaric acid. It is elucidated that the enantiomeric signal resolution is attributed to the anisotropic magnetic environment for the enantiomers induced by the chiral L-tartarato samarium(III) complex rather than differences in stability of the diastereomeric substrate adducts. The present ¹³C NMR signal resolution was also effective for the practical simultaneous analysis of plural kinds of DL-amino acids. Chirality 27:353-357, 2015.