Fluorescamine: a reagent for assay of amino acids, peptides, proteins, and primary amines in the picomole range.

Fluorescamine is a new reagent for the detection of primary amines in the picomole range. Its reaction with amines is almost instantaneous at room temperature in aqueous media. The products are highly fluorescent, whereas the reagent and its degradation products are nonfluorescent. Applications are discussed.