Chemical derivatization is a technique employed in bioanalysis to enhance ionization potential, chromatographic behaviour and stability of analytes having functional groups like aldehydes, ketones, alcohols, phenols, carboxylic acids, and amines. By employing specific derivatizing agents tailored to these functional groups, scientists can facilitate the detection and quantification of compounds at low levels in complex biological matrices, ultimately supporting accurate and reliable bioanalytical studies in drug development.

Although, chemical derivatization appears to be an easy chemical reaction, most bioanalysts face several challenges associated with the process like results reproducibility, stability of derivatization agent and derivatives, safety concerns etc. This viewpoint explores how CROs with their advanced infrastructure and extensive experience of working with clients for bioanalytical services, can bring new insights into chemical derivatization techniques – to improve detection of challenging compounds, efficiently and effectively.