Applications of derivatization reactions to trace organic compounds during sample preparation based on pressurized liquid extraction

•PLE is useful for analyte extraction from environmental, food and biological samples.•Derivatization reactions can be applied during sample preparation based on PLE.•PLE coupled with in situ derivatization is suitable for trace organic compounds.

Pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) is an exhaustive technique used for the extraction of analytes from solid samples. Temperature, pressure, solvent type and volume, and the addition of other reagents notably influence the efficiency of the extraction. The analytical applications of this technique can be improved by coupling with appropriate derivatization reactions. The aim of this review is to discuss the recent applications of the sequential combination of PLE with derivatization and the approaches that involve simultaneous extraction and in situ derivatization. The potential of the latest developments to the trace analysis of environmental, food and biological samples is also analyzed.