alpha-Alkyl-alpha-arylacetic acid derivatives as fluorescence markers for thin-layer chromatographic and high-performance liquid chromatographic assay of amines and alcohols.

Activated R,S-benoxaprofen is described as a new reagent for fluorescent derivatization of drugs with primary or secondary amino groups or with hydroxyl groups. Separation of the reaction products is demonstrated by thin-layer chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography. The sensitivity of the detection is in the picomole range. Derivatization procedures can be easily and rapidly performed.