Abstract
An experimental design optimization (Box–Behnken design, BBD) was used to develop a CE method for the simultaneous resolution of propranolol (Prop) and 4‐hydroxypropranolol enantiomers and acetaminophen (internal standard). The method was optimized using an uncoated fused silica capillary, carboxymethyl‐β‐cyclodextrin (CM‐β‐CD) as chiral selector and triethylamine/phosphoric acid buffer in alkaline conditions. A BBD for four factors was selected to observe the effects of buffer electrolyte concentration, pH, CM‐β‐CD concentration and voltage on separation responses. Each factor was studied at three levels: high, central and low, and three center points were added. The buffer electrolyte concentration ranged from 25 to 75 mM, the pH ranged from 8 to 9, the CM‐β‐CD concentration ranged from 3.5 to 4.5% w/v, and the applied run voltage ranged from 14 to 20 kV. The responses evaluated were resolution and migration time for the last peak. The obtained responses were processed by Minitab^®^ to evaluate the significance of the effects and to find the optimum analysis conditions. The best results were obtained using 4% w/v CM‐β‐CD in 25 mM triethylamine/H~3~PO~4~ buffer at pH 9 as running electrolyte and 17 kV of voltage. Resolution values of 1.98 and 1.95 were obtained for Prop and 4‐hydroxypropranolol enantiomers, respectively. The total analysis time was around of 15 min. The BBD showed to be an adequate design for the development of a CE method, resulting in a rapid and efficient optimization of the pH and concentration of the buffer, cyclodextrin concentration and applied voltage.