Determination of carboxylic acids in water by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry after continuous extraction and derivatisation

► A new approach for the determination of 35 carboxylic acids in water samples is presented. ► Miniaturisation of the sample treatment system using a continuous solid-phase extraction unit. ► Simplification of the derivatising reaction through the use of a household microwave oven that reduces the reaction time to ca. 3 min. ► Successful analysis of drinking and natural waters.