Derivatisaatio

Derivatisaatio is a Finnish term that translates to derivatization in English. It refers to a process in analytical chemistry where a compound is converted into a derivative. This is often done to improve the detectability or separability of the original compound, or to make it suitable for a specific analytical technique. Derivatization can involve chemical reactions that alter the functional groups of a molecule, for example, by adding a new group that makes it easier to detect with a detector like a mass spectrometer or a flame ionization detector. It can also be used to make a compound more volatile for gas chromatography or to enhance its fluorescence for fluorescence spectroscopy. The choice of derivatization method depends on the analyte, the desired outcome, and the analytical instrument being used. Common derivatization reactions include esterification, silylation, and acylation. The resulting derivative is then analyzed, and the information obtained is used to infer properties of the original compound. This technique is widely employed in various fields, including environmental analysis, pharmaceutical research, and food science, where complex mixtures and trace amounts of analytes are often encountered.