Novel post-column derivatization method for the fluorimetric determination of norepinephrine and epinephrine

A novel method is described in which catecholamines are converted into fluorescent products by heating in alkaline borate buffer. The method was applied to the determination of norepinephrine and epinephrine after separation by high-performance liquid chromatography using a pellicular, strong cation exchanger. The new system is simpler than the system based on the trihydroxyindole reaction. It is suitable for the measurement of catecholamines in the range of 0.25-20 ng. The assay of catecholamines in human urine is also described.