Derivatization reagents for GC, silylation, MSTFA

The most volatile trimethylsilyl amide available. MSTFA is a very strong TMS donor which does not cause any noticeable FID fouling even after long-time measuring series. The already good solution characteristics can be improved by addition of submolar quantities of protic solvents (e.g., TFA for extremely polar compounds such as hydrochlorides) or pyridine (e.g., for carbohydrates). Advantages of MSTFA are complete reaction with high reaction rates, even without a catalyst (1–2 % TMCS or TSIM) and the by-product of the reaction (N-methyltrifluoroacetamide) features high volatility and short retention time. These products contain harmful substances which must be specially labeled as hazardous.