• Derivatization is a process to alter chemical compounds.chemical experiences image by Sergey Galushko from Fotolia.com
  
  Derivatization is a process, using certain protocols or procedures, to alter a chemical compound in order to create a new compound that will better suit whatever chemical analysis is undertaken. It can be used as part of the preparation for gas chromatography analysis in a laboratory. The protocol to be used in derivatization depends on the problem with the original compound and the desired result for the new, altered compound.
  
  

Reagent

• In order to have an effective derivatization protocol, a good reagent must be selected for the particular purpose. The reagent interacts with the initial substance, or compound, and causes the changes desired so the new compound can be ready for analysis. According to Restek, one reagent might not be sufficient; thus, multiple reagents would have to be used in order to obtain the desired result. Certain reagents are established and proven, while others will require experimentation and documentation to prove their effectiveness.
  
  

Acylation

• According to Library4Science, acylation is utilized when the polarity of a substance needs to be substantially reduced in order to make the chromotagraphic analysis more effective. Polarity refers to the bonds between the atoms in the compound, so by reducing polarity, those bonds are lessened, making the substance more amenable to the analysis. The procedure involves direct reactions with substances that will alter the polarity. One example is direct reactions with acid anhydrides and acid chlorides for amino hydroxyl.
  
  

Simple Protocol

• Some protocols can be rather complex, expensive and time-consuming. The goal should be to develop a protocol that is simple, effective and produces the desired result in a relatively short period of time. An example of this is a new, simple, one-step protocol for determining the total homocysteine in human plasma (blood). Increased levels of homocysteine in human plasma are markers of certain conditions which need to be diagnosed and treated. By using this protocol, the levels can be determined quickly, thus allowing for prompt diagnosis and treatment.