Chiral/Achiral Separation of Novel Synthetic Cannabinoids in Sub/Supercritical Fluid Chromatography.

Kalíková K.; Kapusta M.; Hubner E.; Schmid M. · Electrophoresis · 2026

**Background & Methods** This review study evaluated sub/supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) as an analytical technique for separating and detecting novel synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) obtained from internet vendors. The researchers analyzed 11 chiral synthetic cannabinoid samples using SFC with optical rotation detection and HPLC to characterize their enantiomeric composition and separation potential. **Key Findings** • Two of the 11 synthetic cannabinoid samples were identified as racemates (mixtures of equal enantiomers) via HPLC with optical rotation detector, while the remaining samples did not demonstrate racemic composition, indicating variable enantiomeric purity in internet-sourced products. • Sub/supercritical fluid chromatography demonstrated baseline enantioseparation of both racemic samples with high enantioselective potential, confirming SFC's capability to distinguish individual enantiomers of synthetic cannabinoids. • An SFC method utilizing a diol-bonded stationary phase successfully performed achiral screening of synthetic cannabinoids, providing a complementary analytical approach to standard normal-phase liquid chromatography while maintaining a greener separation profile. **Dosage & Administration** Not reported. This is an analytical chemistry study focused on separation techniques rather than clinical administration. The paper notes that synthetic cannabinoids are commonly sprayed onto herbal incense, paper products, or used as e-liquids by end users, but specific dosing information is not provided. **Safety & Adverse Effects** Not reported. The study does not evaluate clinical safety or adverse effects. However, the authors acknowledge that synthetic cannabinoids represent a rapidly growing class of new psychoactive substances with continuous market evolution and structural variability, implying potential public health concerns related to their use. **Evidence Quality** This is a methodological review with moderate evidence quality. The study is limited by its small sample size (11 chiral SC samples) and focus on analytical technique development rather than clinical outcomes. As a 2026 publication in Electrophoresis, this represents current analytical chemistry methodology. The primary limitations include lack of clinical validation, absence of toxicological data, and reliance on internet-sourced samples of unknown manufacturing standards. The work provides valuable analytical tools for regulatory and forensic purposes but does not establish clinical efficacy or safety profiles for synthetic cannabinoids.

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