Gas-chromatographic analysis of sugars and related hydroxy acids as acyclic oxime and ester trimethylsilyl derivatives

A g.l.c. method which makes possible the simultaneous analysis of the common types of acidic and neutral sugars is described. Particular advantages are achieved with hydroxy acids, ketoses, and uronic acids. Acids and lactones are first converted into their sodium salts. Free or potential aldehydo and keto groups are transformed into oximes or O-methyloximes. Fully substituted acyclic ester and oxime trimethylsilyl derivatives are prepared with bis(trimethylsilyl)trifluoroacetamide and chlorotrimethylsilane. Syn and anti isomers of the oximes are formed, but a stationary phase can often be chosen on which the two peaks coincide. The silicone stationary phases OV-1, OV-17, QF-1, and XE-60 were used. Retention data are given for aldonic and deoxyaldonic acids, aldoses, ketoses, and uronic acids. Relationships between structure and retention are discussed. The derivatives are suited to structural analysis by gas chromatography—mass spectrometry