| Ask a Chemist |
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Question: We have a calibration standard containing Acrolein and have observed the response going down quickly (within two weeks) for this compound, can you explain this?
Acrolein can dimerize or break down to form 3-methoxypropanol and dimethyl acetal depending on factors such as storage condition, other compounds is in the solution, the solution matrix itself and of course time. On a typical GC capillary column CV-502.2 for example, the breakdown peaks will show up shortly after the Acrolein. If you have access to a GC/MS you can easily identify Acrolein, major ion 56 and distinct minor ion of 55. The breakdown product 3-methoxypropanol has the major ion of 60 and 45. The breakdown product dimethyl acetal has the major ion of 71 with minor ions of 75 and 41. Acrolein is more stable using methanol for the matrix. We recommend fresh working calibration standards weekly. Our Acrolein at 1000ug/mL in P+T Methanol (Item #: S-175) is made fresh every 90 days to ensure our customers get the highest level standard.
If you have a question for our chemists, just ask!!! |
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| News from SPEX CertiPrep Protocol Organics |
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Price Increase - The first one in over 4 years.......
For over 4 years SPEX CertiPrep has not had a price increase on any of our products. Unfortunately, we are now faced with having to have a small price increase to help offset some of these very high costs. Effective June 1, 2008, SPEX CertiPrep will have a small price increase on all stock inorganic and organic products. We value your business and hope that you will understand the need to move in this direction. Please contact our sales department at 1-800-522-7739, extension 444 if you have any questions and to find out how to be part of our Loyal Customer Discount Program. It’s a great way to save money. |
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Agilent's Food Safety and Environmental Testing Solutions Seminars
SPEX CertiPrep is pleased to be a guest speaker at Agilent's informative 1-day seminar on the latest technical developments in organic and inorganic environmental and food analysis. The seminar will be taking place in 12 different cities from April through May, click on the below link for more information on this seminar. The first seminar will take place in Mason, Ohio on April 15, 2008 at 9:00am.
Seminar and Registration Information
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Impacts of US EPA Methods Update Rule (MUR) on NJPDES Permits
The US EPA has issued a final MUR that modifies the list of approved analysis and sampling procedures for wastewater regulations. These updates will have significant effect on the current test procedures for the analysis and sampling for pollutants in wastewater and sludge. As of now, a number of analysis methods have been replaced by alternate more up-to-date methods. In addition, a large number of new test methods have been added. These new changes may impact your laboratory’s certification and may require changes in your laboratory’s procedures. To learn more on these changes, go to www.state.nj.us/dep/dwq/pdf/MUR_Impact.pdf. |
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Our Newest Product Line: Tinted Indicator Surrogate Standards
SPEX CertiPrep is pleased to introduce our newest product line of Tinted Indicator Surrogate Standards. Currently, chemists have to carefully track the addition of standards; any oversight at this critical point can lead to trouble in QC such as 0% surrogate recovery. Our “tinted” products verify that the surrogate standards have been added to avoid costly and time-consuming mistakes. Another benefit of our Tinted Indicator Surrogates is a visual confirmation of pH. The surrogate standard will change to an orange tint in the presence of neutral or basic solutions and a red tint for acidic solutions. Try SPEX CertiPrep's Tinted Indicator Surrogate Standards today.
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Avoiding the "Class A" Pipette Incident
Recently, our inorganic chemists discovered a grave error in Class A pipettes manufactured by a very reputable manufacturer. Our new consignment of 25mL pipettes only delivered 20mL, even though each pipette was labeled 25mL and only differed very slightly in size and shape from the 20mL pipettes. If our Quality Control department did not have such rigorous standards and had not checked each pipette before use, all our standards would have had a 20% error. Thankfully, our protocol does not allow us to just assume glassware and other items are good because they are manufactured by a reputable company, it demands we check and assess before using. We, at SPEX CertiPrep, pride ourselves on delivering quality and accuracy when making our standards by taking the extra necessary steps. Kudos to our Quality Control department for doing such through and meticulous work!
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A2LA Accreditation for Inorganic and Organic CRMs
SPEX CertiPrep, Inc. is proud to be accredited by A2LA for both Organic and Inorganic Certified Reference Materials (CRM). Now in addition to being registered as an ISO 9001:2000 facility, SPEX CertiPrep is accredited by A2LA as complying with the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025:2005 and ISO/IEC Guide 34-2000. The scope of our accreditation is the most comprehensive in the industry and encompasses all of the products SPEX CertiPrep manufactures. This new milestone establishes our continuing dedication to our customers for providing the highest quality standards. As always, SPEX CertiPrep wants to ensure Total Customer Satisfaction that’s why our motto has always been Superior Quality and Unparalleled Service. |
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Introducing the NEW BIG 60 VOA Mix
SPEX CertiPrep has formulated a blend containing 60 of the most common Volatile analytes that environmental laboratories look for in one mix at 1000 ug/ml! This blend begins with the purest Methylene Chloride, treated to prevent the formation of HCl (a common breakdown product of Methylene Chloride). Our starting materials for the 60 analytes used, are of the highest purity available and tested by our ISO-9001 / NVLAP accredited Laboratory. The final mix is confirmed in our lab by GC/MS against multiple suppliers. The result, an easy to use, confidence confirmed, stable standard that will reduce the error of mixing 6-8 blends to accomplish the same calibration standard. Additionally, many customers find it useful for us to custom blend a few more analytes into this mix for them. Please contact us with both your routine and unique requirements.
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Introducing the Protocol 10/100™ Product Line,
In a recent survey about single component organic standards, you told us the following:
- Singles should generally be $20 for a 1000 ug/ml ampule
- Singles should generally be $10 for a 100 ug/ml ampule
- A volume discount should be applied when ordering 5 of more of a particular part number
Our answer:
- Singles prices have been significantly reduced to $20* for a 1000 ug/ml ampule!
- Our NEW Protocol 10/100™ product line, 100 ug/ml single component standards priced at $10* per ampule
- Volume discount - Order >5 of ANY stock item, receive a 20% discount on that item.
* Prices may be higher for some of our rare compounds.
Contact us for more information |
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Loyal Customer Discount Program
SPEX CertiPrep values its customers. We know that without our loyal customers we would not be the leading manufacturer of Certified Reference Materials. By purchasing your inorganic and organic certified reference materials from SPEX CertiPrep you can be part of a program that gives you automatic discount off of all our manufactured products. SPEX CertiPrep is excited to offer this Program to all Protocol Customers who qualify.
Learn more about the Loyal Customer Program . |
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