Introduction
Carbohydrates are usually difficult to analyze in solutions. Gas chromatography provides a suitable means for analysis. However most carbohydrate compounds are not volatile enough for use by this method.
Suitable deriviatives are the aldol acetates and the silylated carbohydrates. Aldol acetates are difficult to prepare and require long time periods for their formation. Silylation is the most suitable means for preparing volatile deriviatives. However most silyl compounds are water sensitive.
This paper discusses silylating agents, their reaction mechanisms and a solution to the problem of water sensitivity
