Solvents Application Guide

Importance of Topic

The purity and delivery of solvents are critical in analytical methods such as LC–MS, HPLC, GC, and spectroscopy. High-purity solvents help push detection limits, reduce background interference, and ensure reproducibility across research, quality control, and industrial laboratories.

Objectives and Overview

This guide presents a comprehensive portfolio of over 800 solvent products, covering grades from general laboratory reagents to ultra-pure UHPLC/MS solvents. It describes packaging innovations, safety features, and delivery systems designed to meet the needs of LC/MS, UHPLC, gas chromatography, spectrometry, and related applications.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The solvent quality is assured through rigorous testing in ISO 9001–certified facilities. Key analytical techniques include:

• UHPLC–UV, MS, and MS/MS gradient suitability tests for mobile phases
• ICP–MS screening for trace metals in acids and solvents
• GC–FID/ECD and headspace GC for volatile impurity profiling
• UV–Vis spectrophotometry for background absorbance evaluation
• Submicron filtration (0.03–0.1 µm) and inert-gas blanketing

Main Results and Discussion

The guide details multiple solvent purity classes and their primary applications:

• Technical, reagent, and laboratory grades for general use
• Certified ACS and ACS Plus grades for tight impurity specifications
• Optima and UHPLC/MS grades optimized for LC/UV and LC/MS sensitivity
• GC Resolv and headspace grades for trace volatile analysis
• Electronic and plasma grades for low metal content in semiconductor and environmental testing
• Specialty mobile phase blends pre-formulated with formic or trifluoroacetic acid
• High-volume delivery systems (FisherPak, BasicPak, DelPak, NowPak I & II) ranging from 19 L to 1350 L with reusable stainless-steel containers
• Packaging innovations: Safe-Cote PVC-coated glass, FisherLOCK tamper-evident caps, ChemAlert color coding, seamless aluminum cans, and QR codes for instant SDS and CofA access
• Comprehensive compatibility charts for plastics, metals, and ceramics with common solvents

Benefits and Practical Applications

Implementing these solvents and delivery solutions offers:

• Reliable lot-to-lot consistency and high reproducibility in trace analysis
• Improved safety through closed solvent systems, color-coded closures, and dedicated spill kits
• Operational efficiency via pre-blended mobile phases and reduced preparation steps
• Cost savings by minimizing solvent waste, disposal volume, and downtime for bottle rinsing
• Enhanced sustainability with refillable systems that replace hundreds of single-use bottles
• Seamless integration across analytical platforms: LC, GC, ICP, and spectrophotometry

Future Trends and Potential Uses

Looking ahead, laboratories may benefit from:

• Fully automated, networked solvent delivery integrated with LIMS for just-in-time replenishment
• Next-generation cleanroom packaging and inert liners for ultra-low trace contaminants
• Closed-loop solvent recycling and greener production methods
• Real-time purity and level monitoring sensors within delivery systems

Conclusion

This application guide equips analytical laboratories with a detailed roadmap for selecting, handling, and delivering solvents. By combining stringent quality verification, innovative packaging, and a broad grade portfolio, scientists can achieve reproducible results, ensure safety, and reduce environmental impact.

Reference

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