Derivatization is a chemical process that modifies a molecule by introducing a new functional group or changing an existing one. This alteration is typically performed to enhance the molecule's properties, such as its detectability, volatility, chromatographic behavior, or reactivity. It's commonly used in analytical chemistry and organic synthesis to simplify analysis, improve separation techniques (like gas chromatography and liquid chromatography), or create compounds with desired characteristics. The process involves a reagent that reacts specifically with a target molecule, forming a derivative that possesses the required traits for enhanced detection, purification, or application.
Derivatization meaning with examples
- In gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), fatty acids are often derivatized with methylating agents to increase their volatility, allowing for more effective separation and detection. This process converts less volatile carboxylic acids into volatile methyl esters, greatly enhancing the performance of the analysis. It can also improve the ionization efficiency.
- For the analysis of amino acids via HPLC, derivatization with reagents like dansyl chloride or phenylisothiocyanate is frequently used. These reagents react with the amino group to create fluorescent or UV-absorbing derivatives, which are more readily detected by HPLC detectors, thus lowering the detection limit.
- To enhance the sensitivity of drug analysis in biological samples, derivatization may be used to add a tag to the drug molecule. The modified drug can be detected by mass spectrometry, allowing for more accurate and sensitive quantification compared to directly detecting the original drug molecule.
- In pesticide residue analysis, derivatization steps can transform complex molecules into forms more compatible with the analytical instrument. For example, derivatization can convert hydroxyl groups to ester derivatives. These derivatives exhibit favorable properties, providing greater signal in GC or LC-MS analysis, improving detection limits and accuracy.
- Studying the structure of complex carbohydrates often involves derivatization to simplify their analysis. By transforming hydroxyl groups into more stable and easily detected derivatives, it is possible to get a clearer understanding of carbohydrate structure, which allows them to be correctly sequenced for further analysis and research.