Comparison of three derivatization ways in the separation of phenol and hydroquinone from water samples

Hydroquinone and phenol were analysed in aqueous alkaline model samples using chromatographic techniques. The compounds were isolated by solid-phase extraction and determined quantitatively by capillary gas chromatography after derivatization. The effectivity of derivatization was tested in three phases of sample handling: (i) before extraction; (ii) in the extraction bed; and (iii) during elution.