Reference

Trimethylsilyl (TMS) groups are often used in gas chromatography (GC) to modify the properties of compounds. Here are the key effects of TMS groups on the volatility of compounds:

1. Increased Volatility: TMS groups render the derivatized compounds more volatile. This is beneficial for GC analysis as it allows compounds that might otherwise be non-volatile to be analyzed effectively. This increase in volatility is due to the reduction in intermolecular forces such as hydrogen bonding when TMS groups are introduced. As noted in a Wikipedia article on trimethylsilyl groups, "trimethylsilyl groups on a molecule have a tendency to make it more volatile, often making the compounds more amenable to analysis by gas chromatography."

2. Decreased Polarity: The introduction of TMS groups reduces the overall polarity of the molecule. This makes the derivatives suitable for GC because less polar compounds generally have better volatility and reduced interaction with the stationary phase, leading to sharper peaks and more accurate measurements (source).

3. Increased Thermal Stability: TMS derivatives exhibit increased thermal stability, which is crucial for GC, where compounds are subjected to high temperatures. This stability helps in preventing decomposition during the analytical process, further enhancing the reproducibility and reliability of the results (source).

By derivatizing compounds with TMS groups, their volatility is significantly improved, aiding their analysis through gas chromatography. This method is particularly useful for substances that are naturally non-volatile or thermally labile.