High throughput screening of phenolic constituents in a complex sample matrix using post-column derivatisations employing reaction flow HPLC columns

This communication is the first to demonstrate the high throughput power of a 30 mm in length reaction flow (RF) column to conduct a targeted analysis of phenolics in a complex sample matrix (tea) utilising post-column derivatisation (PCD). Sensitivity, speed and efficiency could be tuned via the selection of the RF column separation flow rate. RF-PCD compared to conventional PCD approach with a 100 μL loop resulted in a gain of up to 150% in sensitivity. The reaction loop volumes employed in conventional PCD approaches will always be the limitation for compatibility with low dispersion chromatography systems and/or columns.