Our Restek Team has gone above and beyond to produce the best quality residual solvent gases standards across the cannabis testing industry. We’ve taken measures to overcome common pain points in testing, ensured consistent lot-to-lot and ampul-to-ampul reproducibility, and created supportive resources for best practices in handling. Our four-component residual solvent gases standard mix contains n-propane, isobutane, n-butane, and neopentane at concentrations of 5000 µg/mL. We also offer singles of each analyte at 5000 µg/mL.
- Our proprietary manufacturing process was optimized to ensure standards are accurate, reproducible, and stable.
- High analyte concentrations allow for flexible calibration curves.
- Second independent lots available to ensure you can meet your requirements without needing to source another supplier.
Common Challenges in Residual Solvent Gases Testing
Difficulties with accuracy, reproducibility, and stability are well-known frustrations in labs analyzing for residual solvent gases across the cannabis industry. Because of the volatility of residual solvents gases, well-thought-out methodologies utilizing proper care and handling of the standards is crucial to ensure reliable calibration curves. To make sure you have all the tools to feel confident in handling your standards, we published a convenient Volatile Standards Handling Guide that covers the most important aspects of handling residual solvents gases, from ensuring analytes are in the solution prior to opening the ampul to recommendations for the best tools in constructing calibration solutions.
While handling is certainly important, starting with reliable standards you can trust is perhaps even more critical. Each step in our production process, from solvent choice to ampul design to quality testing, is safeguarded to ensure standards are optimized for accuracy, stability, and reproducibility. We’ve taken measures to ensure that our residual solvent gases standards are optimized for performance and stability so that you can avoid common frustrations experienced with these standards and have confidence in your analysis every time.
Our Residual Solvent Gases Standards Are Optimized to Meet All of Your Testing Needs
Proprietary Manufacturing and Tailored Formations
Manufacturing reliable standards starts with creating specific and tailored formulations that have been subjected to rigorous stability and performance studies. Each of our neat materials is assayed by multiple techniques prior to formulation in order to assign an accurate purity value. After purity of neat materials is confirmed, our scientists develop optimized formulations, which are then subjected to rigorous studies to confirm integrity.
A particularly important consideration in the formulation of residual solvents gases standards is solvent choice. To support these extremely volatile, nonpolar hydrocarbons, choosing a solvent that strikes a balance between maximizing solubility interactions while not interfering with the analytes of interest is crucial. 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene was selected as the most optimal solvent, producing exceptionally stable and reproducible standards. Beyond solvent choice, we have tailored each of the steps in our manufacturing processes to ensure the integrity of the standards are preserved in each subsequent step.
Second Independent Lots Ready for Shipment
Your calibration verifications are important, and we are aware that it can be both frustrating and time-consuming to find second source standards that you can trust to meet your requirements. To eliminate the need to source a second standard, we are ready to provide a second independent lot at the time of your order, so there’s no waiting or hassle in finding a second lot for verification. Our independent lots are prepared by two different chemists using separate NIST-calibrated balances and are assayed post-ampulation to ensure lot-to-lot consistency.
Optimized for Consistency and Easier Handling
To help eliminate the frustrations of poor lot-to-lot and ampul-to-ampul reproducibility frequently reported in residual solvent gases standards, we have taken measures to address concerns both in handling and the integrity of the standards themselves. Our optimized design is specifically tailored to reduce volatility issues, support easier handling, and ensure you are set up for success in generating your calibration solutions.
High Analyte Concentration for Added Flexibility in Constructing Calibrations
The action limits for residual solvent cannabis testing vary significantly from state-to-state, and, indeed, some action limits are set at 5000 ppm. To provide the most flexibility in constructing your calibration curves, we chose a concentration at 5000 ppm for all four target analytes. Starting with a higher analyte concentration gives you the freedom to construct your curves according to your specific requirements and methodologies.
Excellent Chromatographic Performance and Reproducibility
Chromatographic Performance
To assess chromatographic performance, our residual solvents gases standard (cat# 36024) was prepared at a concentration of 125 μg/mL in 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene. Gas-tight syringes were used in constructing standard solutions to control any evaporative loss of the standard. To perform testing 50 μL of the working standard solution was added to a 20 mL headspace vial, then tested on the Rxi-624Sil MS column by HS-Syringe-GC-MS. Excellent chromatographic separations and peak shape were achieved for all four compounds. For the full method conditions and chromatographic results of this analysis, see Figure 1 below.
Figure 1: Our Residual Solvent Gases Standard achieved exceptional chromatographic performance.
| Column | Rxi-624Sil MS, 30 m, 0.25 mm ID, 1.40 µm (cat.# 13868) |
|---|---|
| Standard/Sample | Residual Solvent Gases Standard (cat.# 36024) |
| Diluent: | 1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene |
| Conc.: | 125 µg/mL |
| Injection | |
| Inj. Vol.: | 250 µL headspace-syringe split (split ratio 10:1) |
| Liner: | Topaz, straight/SPME inlet liner, 1.8 mm x 5.0 x 95 (cat.# 23279) |
| Inj. Temp.: | 280 °C |
| Headspace-Syringe | |
| Instrument: | AOC-6000 Plus |
| Syringe Temp.: | 150 °C |
| Sample Temp.: | 80 °C |
| Sample Equil. Time: | 45 min |
| Inj. Speed: | 25 mL/min |
| Inj. Dwell: | 0.05 |
| Inj. Temp.: | 280 °C |
| Oven | |
| Oven Temp.: | 30 °C (hold 6 min) to 85 °C at 15 °C/min (hold 2 min) to 250 °C at 35 °C/min (hold 1 min) |
| Carrier Gas | He, constant flow |
| Flow Rate: | 2 mL/min |
| Detector | QP2020 NX MS | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scan Program: | |||||||||
|
|||||||||
| Transfer Line Temp.: | 250 °C | ||||||||
| Analyzer Type: | Quadrupole | ||||||||
| Source Temp.: | 200 °C | ||||||||
| Solvent Delay Time: | 0 min | ||||||||
| Tune Type: | PFTBA | ||||||||
| Ionization Mode: | EI | ||||||||
| Instrument | Shimadzu GC 2030 | ||||||||
| Sample Preparation | A Residual Solvents Gases (cat# 36024) working standard was prepared at 125 µg/mL. 50 µL of that working solution was added to a 20 mL headspace vial, then tested using HS-Syringe-GC-MS. | ||||||||
| Notes | Conditions were optimized for an expanded list of residual solvents, similar to GC_GN1198.
This chromatogram was generated with our residual solvent gases standard mix (cat #36024). We also offer single solutions of each analyte. Please see the catalog numbers below for reference. Cat.# Description |
||||||||
Our Restek Team has gone above and beyond to produce the best quality residual solvent gases standards across the cannabis testing industry. We’ve taken measures to overcome common pain points in testing, ensured consistent lot-to-lot and ampul-to-ampul reproducibility, and created supportive resources for best practices in handling. Our four-component residual solvent gases standard mix contains n-propane, isobutane, n-butane, and neopentane at concentrations of 5000 µg/mL. We also offer singles of each analyte at 5000 µg/mL.
- Our proprietary manufacturing process was optimized to ensure standards are accurate, reproducible, and stable.
- High analyte concentrations allow for flexible calibration curves.
- Second independent lots available to ensure you can meet your requirements without needing to source another supplier.
Common Challenges in Residual Solvent Gases Testing
Difficulties with accuracy, reproducibility, and stability are well-known frustrations in labs analyzing for residual solvent gases across the cannabis industry. Because of the volatility of residual solvents gases, well-thought-out methodologies utilizing proper care and handling of the standards is crucial to ensure reliable calibration curves. To make sure you have all the tools to feel confident in handling your standards, we published a convenient Volatile Standards Handling Guide that covers the most important aspects of handling residual solvents gases, from ensuring analytes are in the solution prior to opening the ampul to recommendations for the best tools in constructing calibration solutions.
While handling is certainly important, starting with reliable standards you can trust is perhaps even more critical. Each step in our production process, from solvent choice to ampul design to quality testing, is safeguarded to ensure standards are optimized for accuracy, stability, and reproducibility. We’ve taken measures to ensure that our residual solvent gases standards are optimized for performance and stability so that you can avoid common frustrations experienced with these standards and have confidence in your analysis every time.
Our Residual Solvent Gases Standards Are Optimized to Meet All of Your Testing Needs
Proprietary Manufacturing and Tailored Formations
Manufacturing reliable standards starts with creating specific and tailored formulations that have been subjected to rigorous stability and performance studies. Each of our neat materials is assayed by multiple techniques prior to formulation in order to assign an accurate purity value. After purity of neat materials is confirmed, our scientists develop optimized formulations, which are then subjected to rigorous studies to confirm integrity.
A particularly important consideration in the formulation of residual solvents gases standards is solvent choice. To support these extremely volatile, nonpolar hydrocarbons, choosing a solvent that strikes a balance between maximizing solubility interactions while not interfering with the analytes of interest is crucial. 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene was selected as the most optimal solvent, producing exceptionally stable and reproducible standards. Beyond solvent choice, we have tailored each of the steps in our manufacturing processes to ensure the integrity of the standards are preserved in each subsequent step.
Second Independent Lots Ready for Shipment
Your calibration verifications are important, and we are aware that it can be both frustrating and time-consuming to find second source standards that you can trust to meet your requirements. To eliminate the need to source a second standard, we are ready to provide a second independent lot at the time of your order, so there’s no waiting or hassle in finding a second lot for verification. Our independent lots are prepared by two different chemists using separate NIST-calibrated balances and are assayed post-ampulation to ensure lot-to-lot consistency.
Optimized for Consistency and Easier Handling
To help eliminate the frustrations of poor lot-to-lot and ampul-to-ampul reproducibility frequently reported in residual solvent gases standards, we have taken measures to address concerns both in handling and the integrity of the standards themselves. Our optimized design is specifically tailored to reduce volatility issues, support easier handling, and ensure you are set up for success in generating your calibration solutions.
High Analyte Concentration for Added Flexibility in Constructing Calibrations
The action limits for residual solvent cannabis testing vary significantly from state-to-state, and, indeed, some action limits are set at 5000 ppm. To provide the most flexibility in constructing your calibration curves, we chose a concentration at 5000 ppm for all four target analytes. Starting with a higher analyte concentration gives you the freedom to construct your curves according to your specific requirements and methodologies.
Excellent Chromatographic Performance and Reproducibility
Chromatographic Performance
To assess chromatographic performance, our residual solvents gases standard (cat# 36024) was prepared at a concentration of 125 μg/mL in 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene. Gas-tight syringes were used in constructing standard solutions to control any evaporative loss of the standard. To perform testing 50 μL of the working standard solution was added to a 20 mL headspace vial, then tested on the Rxi-624Sil MS column by HS-Syringe-GC-MS. Excellent chromatographic separations and peak shape were achieved for all four compounds. For the full method conditions and chromatographic results of this analysis, see Figure 1 below.
Figure 1: Our Residual Solvent Gases Standard achieved exceptional chromatographic performance.
GC_GN1234
| Column | Rxi-624Sil MS, 30 m, 0.25 mm ID, 1.40 µm (cat.# 13868) |
|---|---|
| Standard/Sample | Residual Solvent Gases Standard (cat.# 36024) |
| Diluent: | 1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene |
| Conc.: | 125 µg/mL |
| Injection | |
| Inj. Vol.: | 250 µL headspace-syringe split (split ratio 10:1) |
| Liner: | Topaz, straight/SPME inlet liner, 1.8 mm x 5.0 x 95 (cat.# 23279) |
| Inj. Temp.: | 280 °C |
| Headspace-Syringe | |
| Instrument: | AOC-6000 Plus |
| Syringe Temp.: | 150 °C |
| Sample Temp.: | 80 °C |
| Sample Equil. Time: | 45 min |
| Inj. Speed: | 25 mL/min |
| Inj. Dwell: | 0.05 |
| Inj. Temp.: | 280 °C |
| Oven | |
| Oven Temp.: | 30 °C (hold 6 min) to 85 °C at 15 °C/min (hold 2 min) to 250 °C at 35 °C/min (hold 1 min) |
| Carrier Gas | He, constant flow |
| Flow Rate: | 2 mL/min |
| Detector | QP2020 NX MS | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scan Program: | |||||||||
|
|||||||||
| Transfer Line Temp.: | 250 °C | ||||||||
| Analyzer Type: | Quadrupole | ||||||||
| Source Temp.: | 200 °C | ||||||||
| Solvent Delay Time: | 0 min | ||||||||
| Tune Type: | PFTBA | ||||||||
| Ionization Mode: | EI | ||||||||
| Instrument | Shimadzu GC 2030 | ||||||||
| Sample Preparation | A Residual Solvents Gases (cat# 36024) working standard was prepared at 125 µg/mL. 50 µL of that working solution was added to a 20 mL headspace vial, then tested using HS-Syringe-GC-MS. | ||||||||
| Notes | Conditions were optimized for an expanded list of residual solvents, similar to GC_GN1198.
This chromatogram was generated with our residual solvent gases standard mix (cat #36024). We also offer single solutions of each analyte. Please see the catalog numbers below for reference. Cat.# Description |
||||||||
Reproducibility
Reproducibility is a crucial component in analyzing for residual solvent gases, so we made it our top priority to ensure our standards were consistent both lot-to-lot and ampul-to-ampul. We optimized our manufacturing process and took measures to ensure these volatile compounds were properly safeguarded at each step in our production process. Rigorous testing was performed to ensure a consistent product, so you can have the assurance you need in performing your analyses.
To demonstrate reproducibility for our standards, we tested three randomly-selected ampuls each from four separate lots. Reproducibility was then calculated both within and between lots for each of the target analytes. To evaluate reproducibility within lots, we calculated the %RSDs for each of the three ampuls across a single lot for each of the targeted compounds (results reported in Table I). Exceptionally low %RSDs were achieved within lots, with an overall %RSD of less than 4% across all lots and all analytes.
To measure the reproducibility of our manufacturing process across lots, we calculated the % difference between each of the four lots, then took the average of these % difference values. Table II below reports the average as well as the range of % difference values. With these outstanding results in reproducibility, both within and between lots, you can have confidence that our residual solvent gases standards will consistently perform at the level you need analysis after analysis.
Table I: Reproducibility within Lots for Restek’s Residual Solvent Gases Standards
| Target Analyte | Response % RSD Across Ampuls in Each Lot (n=3) | |||
| Lot 1 | Lot 2 | Lot 3 | Lot 4 | |
| n-Propane | 3.1% | 3.7% | 1.7% | 0.5% |
| Isobutane | 3.3% | 3.4% | 1.1% | 0.5% |
| n-Butane | 3.5% | 3.3% | 0.9% | 0.5% |
| Neopentane | 3.2% | 3.3% | 0.6% | 0.7% |
Table II: Reproducibility between Lots for Restek’s Residual Solvent Gases Standards
| Target Analyte | Average Response % Difference Across Four Lots |
| n-Propane | 6.3% (Range = 2.5% – 11.5%) |
| Isobutane | 1.6% (Range = 0.3% – 3.2%) |
| n-Butane | 1.7% (Range = 0.2% – 3.4%) |
| Neopentane | 1.4% (Range = 0.4% – 2.6%) |
How Do Our Residual Solvent Gases Standards Compare?
Because we know how important reproducibility is in analyzing for residual solvent gases, we performed testing on two different competitor standards to provide transparency in how our standards compare to the current standards on the market. Additional compounds were present in some of these competitor solutions, but our focus was specifically on the residual solvent gases: n-propane, isobutane, n-butane, and neopentane.
Three ampuls each from two separate lots were evaluated for each of the two competitors. The %RSDs calculated within lots for Competitor A are reported in Table III, with an overall %RSD of less than 10%. The % difference between lots for Competitor A ranged from 28% to 50% and are reported in Table IV.
Table III: Competitor A* Reproducibility within Lots
| Target Analyte | Response %RSD Across Ampuls in Each Lot (n=3) | |
| Lot 1 | Lot 2 | |
| n-Propane | 8.9% | 4.2% |
| Isobutane | 9.2% | 4.8% |
| n-Butane | 9.1% | 4.8% |
| Neopentane | 9.5% | 5.5% |
Table IV: Competitor A* Reproducibility between Lots
| Target Analyte | Response % Difference Across Two Lots |
| n-Propane | 31.8% |
| Isobutane | 32.1% |
| n-Butane | 50.1% |
| Neopentane | 28.4% |
*Formulated with N,N-dimethylacetamide solvent.
The results for Competitor B are reported in Table V and Table VI. Please note that the standard from Competitor B did not contain isobutane and neopentane, so these compounds were not evaluated. The overall %RSD within lots for Competitor B was less than 7%, and the % difference between lots for the two measured compounds (n-propane and n-butane) was 34.0% and 28.4%, respectively.
Table V: Competitor B† Reproducibility within Lots
| Target Analyte | Response %RSD Across Ampuls in Each Lot (n=3) | |
| Lot 1 | Lot 2 | |
| n-Propane | 3.7% | 5.8% |
| Isobutane | NA | NA |
| n-Butane | 1.4% | 6.2% |
| Neopentane | NA | NA |
Table VI: Competitor B† Reproducibility between Lots
| Target Analyte | Response % Difference Across Two Lots |
| n-Propane | 34.0% |
| Isobutane | NA |
| n-Butane | 28.4% |
| Neopentane | NA |
†Formulated with triacetin solvent.
A comparison of the data from our standards to these two competitors reveals a clear Restek advantage for reproducibility both from lot-to-lot and ampul-to-ampul. Particularly in evaluating the differences from lot to lot, our standards offer exceptional consistency and far outperforms these two competitor standards. Backed by this data, the proven integrity of our standards, and our optimized production process, you can have assurance that our standards will deliver the reproducibility you need in your residual solvent gases testing.
Have Confidence in Your Residual Solvent Gases Analysis with Our Exceptionally Reliable Standards
Our Restek Team takes pride in helping to provide solutions to the everyday challenges of scientists across the globe. With data showing superior chromatographic performance and reproducibility and a highly controlled manufacturing process, we are confident in our residual solvent gases standards. These highly consistent standards offer a solution to cannabis laboratories struggling with reproducibility in their calibration solutions. Start your analysis with confidence knowing that you are set up for success with our dependable residual solvent gases standards.