Abstract: The present invention relates to an analytical method that includes providing a sample potentially containing a chiral analyte that can exist in stereoisomeric forms, and providing a probe selected from the group consisting of coumarin-derived Michael acceptors, dinitrofluoroarenes and analogs thereof, arylsulfonyl chlorides and analogs thereof, arylchlorophosphines and analogs thereof, aryl halophosphites, and halodiazaphosphites. The sample is contacted with the probe under conditions to permit covalent binding of the probe to the analyte, if present in the sample; and, based on any binding that occurs, the absolute configuration of the analyte in the sample, and/or the concentration of the analyte in the sample, and/or the enantiomeric composition of the analyte in the sample is/are determined.