Derivative formation in the chromatographic analysis of food additives.

The use of derivatization in the analysis of food additivies by chromatographic means has been reviewed. The large majority of these derivatization techniques are employed to facilitate the gas-liquid chromatographic quantitation of various food additives. Silylation, alkylation, acylation, as well as transesterification, saponification, and chemical decomposition techniques are discussed. The review includes procedures for the analysis of emulsifiers and stabilizers, artificial sweeteners, antioxidants, preservatives, gums, and waxes, and draws in part, from work conducted in the authors' laboratory.