Improved Sensitivity of a Trace-Level Environmental Metabolite Following Derivatization Using Hydrazone Chemistry

To register agrochemicals across the globe, structure elucidation and identification must be completed for major environmental metabolites. These metabolites are present in a variety of matrices, depending on the study type, and are often produced at the parts per billion level in complex environmental matrices. Also, the levels at which they must be identified must adhere to the country's registration requirements. This work describes the use of derivatizing reagents to improve the detection of several trace-level ketone species, allowing for their sensitive detection in these complex environmental matrices.