Derivatization reactions for neurotransmitters and their automation

Many reagents suitable for the derivatization of neurotransmitters are selective for the amino function. Others, however, are selective for the carboxyl-, thiol- and hydroxyl function, and recently, reagents selective for more than one function have been produced. Interest persists in the established reagents, with their well understood behaviour which assists automation of analysis as much as new technology. Workers appear reluctant to tackle the optimization of many novel reagents. Chiral reagents may become important if d-amino acids are shown to be significant from a physiological point of view. Solid-phase reagents offer better regulated chemistry and combined derivatization/solid-phase extraction, which make them an exciting prospect.