Separation of precolumn ortho-phthalaldehyde-derivatized amino acids by capillary zone electrophoresis with normal and micellar solutions in the presence of organic modifiers.

Isoindole derivatives of amino acids, formed through a well-established reaction with o-phthalaldehyde, have been effectively resolved by capillary zone electrophoresis and detected fluorimetrically. Relative retention of the formed derivatives is strongly influenced by added detergents and organic modifiers. Analytical reproducibility has also been assessed.