Is the detection of FMOC-derivatized alanine problematic? Which amino acids are problematic, too?

Dear Ariq,

I have done a fair amount of work derivatizin amino acids and opther compounds using the FMOC reagent. I have never noticed any problems with alanine.

FMOC can react with primary and secondary amine groups, and also with hydroxyl groups. The rates of reaction are different for all molecules depending on some steric factors, reagent concentrations, and pH conditions. Serine and Tyrosine and any other basic amino acid (an extra amine group), can give double products, and therefore some quantitation problems.

Godd Luck,

Benjamin