Restek Silylation Derivatization Reagent, BSTFA (N,O-bisTrifluoroacetamide), Vial, 25 g

Silylation is the most widely used derivatization procedure for sample analysis by GC. In silylation, an active hydrogen is replaced by an alkylsilyl group such as trimethylsilyl (TMS) or tert-butyldimethylsilyl (tert-BDMS). Silyl derivatives are more volatile, less polar, and more thermally stable. As a result, GC separation is improved, and detection is enhanced.

Both TMS and tert-BDMS reagents are suitable for a wide variety of compounds and can be used for many GC applications. (Note that silylation reagents are generally moisture-sensitive and must be sealed to prevent deactivation.)