| Abstract: | This article extends work on the FMOC-Cl method of amino-acid analysis to determine its feasibility and shortcomings for marine research. Precolumn derivatization and separation by high performance liquid chromatography does not require error-inducing desalting steps or other time-consuming clean-up normally associated with ion-exchange type systems. The FMOC-Cl method was developed as an alternative to existing precolumn techniques because it is characterized by a very stable derivative formation, complete amino-acid reaction, low detection limit and good reproducibility. Problems encountered by this method, such as pH dependence of reaction, and reaction with water, are discussed and suitable solutions are proposed. The method can be applied to a wide range of marine samples. |
