derivatiserende

Derivatiserende, in English derivatization, refers to the chemical modification of a substance to form a derivative. The term describes the process or agents involved in converting a compound by introducing a derivatizing group. Derivatization is commonly used in analytical chemistry, biochemistry, and related fields to alter properties such as volatility, stability, detectability, or chromatographic behavior.

In practice, derivatization involves reacting functional groups—such as hydroxyl, amine, carboxyl, or carbonyl groups—with a derivatizing reagent to produce a derivative that is easier to analyze. Common aims include increasing volatility for gas chromatography, enhancing UV or fluorescence detection, or improving ionization for mass spectrometry. The choice of reagent and conditions depends on the target analyte and the analytical method.

Several well-established strategies and examples exist. Silylation (using reagents like BSTFA) adds silyl groups to make molecules more volatile for GC analysis. Acylation or alkylation can reduce polarity or introduce chromophores. Reagents such as dansyl chloride or FMOC-Cl introduce detectable tags for amino acids and other amines. In lipidomics and metabolomics, derivatization to fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) or other derivatives improves separations and quantitation. Isotopically labeled derivatization reagents are used to enhance accuracy in MS-based quantification.

Derivatization is not universally applicable; some compounds resist modification, while others form unstable derivatives. The choice of derivatizing strategy must balance reactivity, stability, and compatibility with the analytical platform.