Application of analytical derivatizations to the quantitative and qualitative determination of fatty acids

Determination of fatty acids (FAs) requires analytical derivatization to volatilize the molecules, to increase the response factors for either gas or high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and/or to suppress binding to glass and other active surfaces. Selection of the derivatizing group and the reaction conditions is critically dependent on the nature of the problem under investigation and particularly so in the instance of the conjugated unsaturated FAs. This review deals with the scope of analytical derivatizations other than silylation. It defines both successful applications and equally important, their limitations. In addition, new reagents are also discussed with respect to their potential uses rather as well as the few applications reported to date. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.