TMS derivitisation

[moptkdmb]

Hi everyone.
I'm currently using TMS derivitisation to analyse plant cell wall sugars. The method i'm using requires the samples to be incubated in Methanolic acid (HCL in methanol). After this incubation butanol is added. Does anybody know why?

Thanks

[rj_panet]

If the incubation is on "whole plant", then I'm supposing the incubation is to hydrolyze the polysaccharides to their sugar monomers, or release monosacchardies from lipopolysaccharides. Is the method you're using exclusively for sugars? because it sounds a little like an alkylation for fatty acids.
Cheers,