Gas chromatography of epinephrine and norepinephrine after derivatization with chloroformates in aqueous media

Optimal conditions for the reaction of alkyl chloroformates with epinephrine and norepinephrine in aqueous solution have been evaluated. The maximal yield with 0.06 M methyl chloroformate was in the pH range 7.0–8.5. The derivatives formed are isolated by extraction with methylene chloride and gas chromatographed on 3% QF-1 with a nitrogen-selective detector after trimethylsilylation of the alcohol group.