Surface derivatization of ketones and primary amines on thin-layer chromatographic plates for detection by secondary ion mass spectrometry

Exposure of the surface of a thin-layer chromatogram to vapors emitted from a solution containing a derivatization reagent results in the conversion of carbonyl-containing (e.g., steroids) or primary amine-containing molecules (e.g., small peptides) on the chromatogram into ionic derivatives suitable for sputtering in secondary ion mass spectrometry. No reduction in the chromatographic resolution is observed because liquid matrices or reagents are never applied directly to the surface.