Solid-phase reagent containing the 3,5-dinitrophenyl tag for the improved derivatization of chiral and achiral amines, amino alcohols and amino acids in high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection

Abstract

A solid-phase reaction technique is described for improved derivatization of aliphatic amines, amino alcohols and amino acids. A polymeric activated ester is used for the immobilization of the 3,5-dinitrobenzoyl group, which can then be used for derivatizations of strong or weak nucleophiles, while avoiding solution-phase derivatization conditions. The reagent is easily prepared and can be regenerated after use to attain its original reacivity. The resulting chromatograms are free of system peaks due to excess derivatizing reagent, and sample handling is kept to a minimum. The reagent can be used in conjunction with both reversed- and normal-phase chromatography and can be used for off-line gas chromatographic or high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) derivatizations. In addition, the reagent can be used on-line for derivatization in HPLC. Since the labelling reagent is a strong π-acid, chiral substrates can be derivatized and separated on a Pirkle-type π-donor column. The confirmation and quantitation of amphetamine in urine was accomplished using a polymer containing two labelling moieties, p-nitrobenzoyl and 3,5-dinitrobenzoyl. The derivatization and separation of chiral and achiral amines, amino alcohols and amino acids is described.