Chemical reagents can be purchased with a spectrum of purity that parallels the cost.
Parameters:
(1) purity of compound
(2) analysis for contaminants
(3) cost
Grade
Purity
Analysis
Cost
Technical or Commercial
undetermined but assumed low
none or little
0
USP/NF
moderate, meets minimum standards for pharmaceuticals
moderate, for contaminants hazardous to health
1
chemically pure (CP)
moderate
moderate, but may need to be analyzed for impurities
2
ACS Reagent Grade
high
3
analytical reagent (AR)
very high
extensive
4
HPLC (solvent)
5
Spectroscopic
Primary Standard
highest purity
6
where:
• USP/NF = US Pharmacopeia / National Formulary
• ACS = American Chemical Society (Reagent Chemicals Committee)
• HPLC = high pressure liquid chromatography
• Cost is over a Likert scale from 0 to 6.
To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.
Specialty: Clinical Laboratory
