Derivatization reagents for GC, silylation, MSHFBA

MSHFBA is used either alone or in combination with a catalyst (TMCS, TSIM) or another silylation reagent with or without solvent. The by-product N-methylheptafluorobutyric amide has a lower retention time than the silylating reagent. Especially useful for flame ionisation detection due to the large ratio of fluorine to silicon of 7:1, since degradation of the excess of MSHFBA does not produce SiO₂ but volatile, non-corrosive silicon compounds. These products contain harmful substances which must be specially labeled as hazardous.