Explain derivatization in chromatography and give examples of why it is used in GC or LC.

Explain derivatization in chromatography and give examples of why it is used in GC or LC.

• A. Derivatization adjusts the pH of the mobile phase to improve separation.
• B. Derivatization chemically modifies analytes to improve detection, volatility, or selectivity; examples include silylation for GC to improve volatility; acylation or fluorophore tagging in LC for UV or fluorescence detection.
• C. Derivatization is used to remove impurities before injection.
• D. Derivatization replaces analyte with a standard; used for calibration only.

Answer: (B)