Studies on the capabilities of flow injection analysis (FIA) combined with on-line characterisation of model compounds via a combination of diode array UV, 1H-NMR, FT-IR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry are described. Using this combination of spectrometers enabled the on-flow collection of UV, 1H-NMR, IR and MS for a range of model compounds. Samples were introduced into the system as solutions in deuterium oxide in concentrations ranging from 1.4 to 8.4 mg ml(-1). A sample volume of 100 microl was used for FIA at a flow rate of 1 ml min(-1). From these studies a practical working quantity of ca. 140 microg/sample of analyte was determined which provided characteristic spectra.