A novel method for the direct derivatization of straight-chain aliphatic carboxylates after trapping on anion-exchange resin

Abstract A novel procedure for the characterization of traces of lipophilic straight-chain aliphatic carboxylate ions in aqueous samples is described. The carboxylates are adsorbed on an Amberlyst A26 [Cl - ] resin column. The resin is then dried and suspended in methyl iodide at room temperature. A gas Chromatographic analysis of the methyl iodide solution allows the determination of the carboxylates as their methyl esters. Full characterization of each carboxylate with an overall recovery over 84% from 1 ppm aqueous sample solutions is attained.