GC-MS Analysis of Amino Acids

by Katherine K. Stenerson, Applications Chemist, Sigma-Aldrich/Supelco

Typically, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is used for the analysis of amino acids. However, GC can also be used, and in some cases availability of instrumentation or operational costs can make it a better choice. The polar nature of amino acids requires that they be derivatized prior to GC analysis. The goal of derivatization is to make an analyte more volatile, less reactive, and thus improve its chromatographic behavior. In the case of amino acids, derivatization replaces active hydrogens on OH, NH2, and SH polar functional groups with a nonpolar moiety.

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Supelco*
595 North Harrison Rd.
Bellefonte PA 16823
Phone: 814-359-3441
Fax: 814-359-5459
http://www.sigmaaldrich.com

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