Potential determination of aminated pesticides and metabolites by cyclodextrin capillary electrophoresis–laser‐induced fluorescence using FITC as labelling

Abstract We describe a detailed study on the possibility of analyzing aminated pesticides and metabolites using pre‐column derivatization with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) and their subsequent separation and detection by cyclodextrin capillary electrophoresis–laser‐induced fluorescence (CE‐LIF) detection. Different variables affecting the derivatization reaction (pH, FITC concentration, reaction time and temperature) and those related with the separation itself (buffer concentration, addition of various organic modifiers, pH, applied voltage and injection time) were studied. The limit of detection obtained was between 0.45 and 3.48 µg litre −1 showing a relative standard deviation between 0.26 and 2.08% at a concentration level of 50 µg litre −1 . Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry