Derivatization reactions for the determination of amines by gas chromatography and their applications in environmental analysis.

The environmental analysis of amines is important to preserve human health because these compounds often have toxic effects. Gas chromatography (GC) of free amines is generally unsatisfactory owing to the adsorption and decomposition of the solutes on the column. Derivatization of amines is employed to reduce the polarity and to improve the GC properties. Derivatization reactions for the determination of amines by GC are reviewed with respect to reactivity, selectivity and sensitivity. Their applications to the determination of individual amines, ammonia and N-nitrosamines in various environmental samples are also described.