What is derivatization and what role does it play in analysis?
Target analytes are often derivatized to facilitate their chromatography and detection by a preferred separation/detection approach. For example, sterols are derivatized by a reagent known as BSTFA to form the trimethylsilyl ethers of the alcohol function. These derivatives are reasonably stable, they are formed quantitatively in reaction with commercially available reagent, and they do not overburden the separation system with artefacts. These properties may be considered some of the desirable characteristics of derivatizing reagents and their reactions. Some compounds will not go through a gas chromatographic column without derivatization. The choice of making a derivative or using an alternative separation is dependent on the context of analysis and perhaps on available instrumentation as well as the detection limit needed. Derivatization may also be detector-oriented in that the derivative may enhance the ability to detect the analyte.
Target analytes are often derivatized to facilitate their chromatography and detection by a preferred separation/detection approach. For example, sterols are derivatized by a reagent known as BSTFA to form the trimethylsilyl ethers of the alcohol function. These derivatives are reasonably stable, they are formed quantitatively in reaction with commercially available reagent, and they do not overburden the separation system with artifacts. These properties may be considered some of the desirable characteristics of derivatizing reagents and their reactions. Some compounds will not go through a gas chromatographic column without derivatization. The choice of making a derivative or using an alternative separation is dependent on the context of analysis and perhaps on available instrumentation as well as the detection limit needed. Derivatization may also be detector-oriented in that the derivative may enhance the ability to detect the analyte. The use of halogenated or fluorinated derivati
