The effect of magnetic fields produced by magnet and solenoid was investigated for the first time in the enantioseparation of antihistamines using thin-layer chromatography. The racemic mixtures of cetirizine and hydroxyzine were selected as the model drugs for studying the magnetic field effect on enantioseparation. The magnets were fixed to a U-shape blade that rotated around the separation chamber by a motor to apply a magnetic field perpendicular to the direction of mobile phase movement. Also, the separation chamber was positioned within a solenoid, and an electric current was utilized to apply the magnetic field in a parallel direction to the mobile phase movement. L-arginine was added to the mobile phase as a chiral selector to perform the enantioseparation of drugs. When magnets generate the magnetic field, both in attraction and repulsion, the spots become broader and the peak height decreases as the magnetic field intensity and rotation speed of the magnets increase. An increase in peak height was observed in the presence of the magnetic field generated by + 3.25A current in the solenoid. Regardless of the type of applied magnetic field, the retention factor values exhibited slight reductions. It was observed that separated enantiomers were similarly affected by various magnetic fields. The distribution coefficient, mass transfer, equilibrium, and lipophilicity were all potentially influenced by the magnetic field, which could explain the alterations.
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