Analyses of short-chain fatty acids in water by gas chromatography can be performed by measuring the sample after derivatization or by introducing the sample directly into a capillary column with a high split ratio. Derivatization methods may result in loss of the target product in processes such as sample drying and solubilization.
In this study, the derivatization reagent DMT-MM* was used because it does not require sample drying or conversion, and the reaction is reliable for samples containing water. DMT-MM can be used to derivatize short-chain fatty acids in water.
* 4-(4,6-dimethoxy-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)- 4-methylmorpholinium chloride