Understanding Chemical Grades: ACS, BP, FCC and More.

When purchasing chemicals, you may spot acronyms such as ‘ACS, BP, or HPLC.’ But what do these words mean? And why are they so important? At APC Pure, we provide a wide range of chemicals with varying grades, and in this blog, we’ll break down the most common chemical grades and explain what each grade signifies, so you can confidently choose the right product for your needs.

ACS – American Chemical Society

Chemicals with the "ACS Grade" label meet the specific standards set by the American Chemical Society. This grade signifies that the chemical is of a high purity level suitable for research and laboratory applications. ACS-grade chemicals are evaluated for accuracy, consistency, and quality.

BP, Ph. Eur. And USP

The British Pharmacopoeia (BP) grade is used for chemicals that follow the standards set by the BP. This grade is specifically designed for pharmaceutical applications and ensures the chemicals are suitable for use in the preparati

on of medicines, meeting strict quality control measures to ensure safety, efficacy, and consistency. The British Pharmacopoeia (BP) establishes standards for substances through a process involving collaboration among experts from various fields, including pharmaceutical research, development, manufacturing, quality control, and analysis.

The European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur..), previously known as ‘EP’ is similar BP grade but is regulated across European Union countries. Chemicals that have the Ph. Eur. grade must meet European standards for use in pharmaceutical formulations, ensuring they are safe and effective for medicinal purposes.

USP Grade chemicals meet the strict standards set by the United States Pharmacopeia. These chemicals are intended for use in pharmaceuticals and must comply with USP's extensive testing procedures. USP-grade chemicals ensure that substances used in drug formulation are pure, effective, and safe for use in medical applications. When the United States Pharmacopeia is establishing specifications, there are four properties that are assessed, such as ‘Identity, Potency, Purity and Performance’, which ensures the product will dissolve, mix, and react appropriately for its intended purpose.

For more information on how the USP sets its specifications, read our blog What is USP Grade? A Methylene Blue 1% Case Study

FG – Food Grade

Food-grade chemicals are safe for use in food-related applications. These chemicals meet specific purity standards established by the Food Chemicals Codex to ensure they do not pose a risk to human health when consumed or used in food production. Food-grade chemicals are commonly used in food processing, flavouring, and preservation.

The Food Chemical Codex provides reference materials to verify the identity, quality, and purity of the products to ensure safety and integrity for its intended use.

FCC – Food Chemicals Codex

The Food Chemicals Codex (FCC) grade is a standard for chemicals used in food production, covering purity and quality. It’s a compilation of internationally recognised guidelines for ingredients used in food processing. FCC-grade chemicals are evaluated to ensure they are safe for consumption, free from contaminants, and meet specific quality standards.

The FCC assesses chemicals by setting strict standards for their purity, identity, and safety. Each chemical must meet specified purity limits for contaminants and impurities, undergo identification tests to confirm its authenticity, and display stable properties like solubility and melting point.

GW – Glass Winchester

Glass Winchester bottles are specialised containers commonly used for storing and transporting chemicals. APC Pure bottles a wide range of chemicals in Glass Winchester bottles, particularly because of their UV protective amber glass, which helps safeguard sensitive chemicals from light degradation. The amber glass offers an effective barrier against UV rays, making it ideal for substances that can be negatively affected by light exposure.

HPLC – High Performance Liquid Chromatography    

High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) is an analytical technique used in chemistry to separate, identify, and quantify components in mixtures. HPLC requires chemicals of the highest quality and purity. This method is widely used in fields such as pharmaceuticals, food testing, and environmental analysis.

What if No Grade is Specified?

When a chemical's grade isn't specified in its product description, it's likely to be General Purpose Laboratory Grade. This grade is suitable for routine laboratory applications and educational purposes where high purity is not critical. However, the exact purity levels and impurity profiles can vary.

Conclusion

​Understanding the various chemical grades such as ACS, BP, Ph. Eur.., FG, FCC, GW, HPLC, and USP is essential for selecting the appropriate chemicals for your specific applications. Each grade signifies a particular standard of purity and suitability, ensuring that chemicals meet the necessary criteria for safety, effectiveness, and quality across a wide range of industries. APC Pure sells an extensive portfolio of Acids, Purified Water, Solvents, and more that follow the specifications set by regulatory authorities.

Explore APC Pure's extensive product portfolio of acids, buffer solutions, solvents, and more. With over 10,000 product lines, we are ready to fulfill your diverse requirements.

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