The use of microemulsions in flow injection analysis: Spectrofluorimetric determination of primary amines

The use of microemulsion in flow-injection systems is considered, with particular reference to the determination of C₆C₁₀ primary amines by derivatization with o-phthal-aldehyde and 2-mercaptoethanol. Microemulsions provide an ideal interface for reactions between a water-soluble reagent and a non-aqueous sample. The effect of reaction conditions (R value, droplet concentration, pH and flow rate) on the fluorescence signal is discussed and calibration data for three primary alkylamines are given.