Microextraction combined with derivatization

Microextraction is still finding its niche in the world of analytical sample-preparation techniques and several alternatives have been explored for their ability to cover a wide range of analytes. Derivatization has been another important tool for analysis, especially using chromatography, and great strides have been made in developing key reactions for several classes of compounds. Combining microextraction with derivatization not only enhances analyte recovery, but also improves separation, detectability and compound identification. This article highlights operational principles, advances, directions and key strategies of microextraction combined with derivatization in analytical chemistry. The subjects covered also include design of microextraction-derivatization systems, integration of detection systems, operational requirements, derivatization reactions, typical applications and future prospects. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.