Precolumn derivatization for chromatographic and electrophoretic analyses of carbohydrates

Sensitive detection and high chromatographic resolution are required for analysing the structures of oligosaccharides available in only limited amounts. Precolumn derivatization is one of the most suitable methods for this purpose as it can compensate for the shortcomings of the intrinsic nature of oligosaccharides. Recently published methods of precolumn derivatization are reviewed and advantages and problems are discussed.