BSTFA is a powerful trimethylsilane donor, comparable in strength to the non-fluorinated analog BSA [N,O-bis(trimethylsilyl)acetamide]. BSTFA can replace unstable hydrogen atoms in a wide range of polar compounds with -Si(CH
3)
3 groups. This physical property is particularly useful for gas chromatographic analysis of some lower boiling TMS amino acids and the TMS tricarboxylic acid cycle.
- Compared with the non-fluorinated by-products of BSA, its reaction by-products mono(trimethylsilane) trifluoroacetamide and trifluoroacetamide are more volatile.
- The increased volatility allows TMS to derivatize smaller molecules by derivatizing the by-products of eluting BSA.
For scientific research use only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.
References: - Her, GR, et al.(1985).Anal .Biochem.151, 292-298.
- Shanchun, J., et al.(1994).Org.Geochem.21, 415- 422.