The direct resolution of nineteen structurally related racemic flavanones was evaluated by reversed-phase planar chromatography using both home-made microcrystalline cellulose triacetate (MCTA) layers and mobile phase modifiers, such as β-cyclodextrin and bovine serum albumin, on commercially available Sil C18-50/UV254plates. Except for the two glycosides, 5-methoxy-, 7-hydroxy- and 5-hydroxy-7-methoxyflavanone, the enantiomers of other flavanones were all resolved by at least one of the three chiral phases tested. Densitograms of racemic flavanones were measured on MCTA layers developed with alcohol-water mixtures and on Sil C18-50/UV254plates after elution with chiral mobile phases.