PRECOLUMN DERIVATIZATION OF BIOGENIC-AMINES AND AMINO-ACIDS WITH 9-FLUORENYLMETHYL CHLOROFORMATE AND HEPTYLAMINE

A rapid and fully automated pre-column derivatization method for the d etermination of primary and secondary biogenic amines and amino acids is described. The derivatization reagent 9-fluorenylmethyl chloroforma te is used, together with heptylamine for removing the excess of reage nt. The derivatization procedure is described in detail. Chromatograph ic separation and detection of biogenic amines only or of biogenic ami nes and amino acids is possible. Repeatability data and applications o f the technique are presented.