Unknown Chemical Identification & Quantification

One of our specialties at ECA is the identification of unknown chemicals. We have many years of experience with product deformulation which requires in many cases, the identification and quantification of unknown substances. We have analyzed unknown contaminants in pharmaceuticals, particles in manufacturing lines, and unusual colors or contaminants in consumer products.

There are three aspects of unknown determination.

1. Testing and Evaluation to determine whether the unknown substance is organic or inorganic in nature. This can be done by observation or wet chemistry or FTIR spectroscopy.

2. The next procedure involves either chemical separation (in the case of a mixture) or direct chemical analysis for organic or inorganic compounds. Inorganic compounds are usually analyzed by ICPMS, anion chromatography, and cation chromatography. Organic substances are analyzed using GC-MS, LC-MS, HPLC or wet chemical methods depending on the nature of the substance.

3. Evaluation of data is next. A verification of some tests is usually required as many of the tests are susceptible to interference.

4. If quantification is required, standards are analyzed, otherwise, an analysis report is prepared next.

ECA has access to a number of separation and analysis techniques combined with extensive experience and exceptional problem-solving skills. We are anxious to take on any challenge.