How to Read a Chemical Certificate of Analysis (COA)
Table of Contents
Summary
Master the art of reading and interpreting chemical Certificates of Analysis (COA) with this comprehensive educational guide. Learn what each section means, how to understand test results and specifications, compare chemical grades (ACS, USP, FCC, Technical), and verify product quality. Perfect for lab managers, quality control professionals, purchasing agents, and researchers who need to understand chemical quality documentation. This guide breaks down COA sections step-by-step, explains analytical test methods, shows you which specifications matter for different applications, and provides practical tips for using COAs in your daily operations. Includes real COA examples, specification comparisons, grade selection guidance, and answers to frequently asked questions. Whether you're evaluating suppliers, ensuring regulatory compliance, or managing laboratory inventory, this guide teaches you everything you need to know about Certificates of Analysis.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions
Find quick answers to common questions about how to read a chemical certificate of analysis (coa).
Your complete educational guide to reading, interpreting, and using COAs for laboratory chemicals, research reagents, and industrial materials
📋 Why Understanding COAs Matters
Certificates of Analysis (COAs) are your window into chemical quality and performance. Whether you're a lab manager ensuring research reproducibility, a quality control professional maintaining compliance, or a purchasing agent evaluating suppliers, knowing how to read and interpret COAs empowers you to make informed decisions. This guide teaches you everything you need to know about COAs—from basic structure to advanced interpretation techniques.
What is a Certificate of Analysis (COA)?
A Certificate of Analysis is a formal quality document that provides detailed information about a specific batch or lot of chemical product. Think of it as your chemical's "report card"—it documents that the material has been tested and confirms its quality characteristics.
Each COA is unique to a specific production batch, meaning the test results you see represent the actual material in your bottle or drum, not just theoretical specifications.
Professional analytical laboratory where Certificates of Analysis are generated through rigorous testing protocols
The Value of COAs: What They Do For You
COAs serve multiple important functions in your operations:
- Quality assurance: Provides objective evidence that materials meet your requirements and industry standards
- Traceability: The lot number creates a direct link between test results and your specific material, enabling tracking throughout your supply chain
- Regulatory documentation: Supports compliance with FDA, EPA, ISO, GMP, and other regulatory requirements
- Research integrity: Documents reagent purity for reproducible research results and method validation
- Purchasing confidence: Helps you verify you're getting what you paid for and compare suppliers objectively
- Problem solving: When issues arise, COAs help identify whether material quality might be a factor
- Inventory management: Manufacturing and expiration dates help you manage shelf life and material rotation
💡 Quick Distinction: Specifications vs. Certificate of Analysis
It's helpful to understand the difference between these two documents:
- Product Specifications: A general document listing what a chemical should meet (the standards or targets)
- Certificate of Analysis: A specific document showing what a particular batch actually tested at (the results)
Both documents are useful, but COAs are the more valuable because they document real test data for the exact material you received.
Anatomy of a Certificate of Analysis: Understanding Each Section
While COA formats vary between manufacturers, most follow a similar structure with these key sections. Understanding what each section tells you makes it easy to quickly extract the information you need.
Section 1: Product Identification & Lot Information
The header section identifies what you have and connects the COA to your specific container.
| Information Element | What It Tells You | How It Helps |
|---|---|---|
| Product Name | Commercial name of the chemical | Quick confirmation you're looking at the right COA |
| Chemical Name/Formula | IUPAC name, molecular formula | Provides chemical identity confirmation |
| CAS Number | Unique Chemical Abstracts Service registry number | Universally recognized identifier—prevents confusion with similar compounds |
| Grade Designation | Quality level (ACS, USP, Technical, etc.) | Tells you the purity standard the material meets |
| Lot/Batch Number | Unique identifier for this production batch | Links this COA to the label on your container—essential for traceability |
| Manufacturing Date | When the batch was produced | Helps you assess material age and shelf life |
| Expiration/Retest Date | Shelf life or recommended retest date | Helps you plan material usage and inventory rotation |
| Package Size | Container size and quantity | Confirms COA matches your specific shipment |
CERTIFICATE OF ANALYSIS Product Name: Isopropyl Alcohol, ACS Reagent Grade Chemical Name: 2-Propanol, Isopropanol Chemical Formula: (CH₃)₂CHOH CAS Number: 67-63-0 Grade: ACS Reagent Grade (≥99.5%) Lot Number: IPA-2024-11-3847 Manufacturing Date: November 15, 2024 Expiration Date: November 15, 2027 (3 years from mfg) Package: 4 × 1 Gallon HDPE bottles Product Code: IPA-ACS-1GAL
📌 Pro Tip: Matching Lot Numbers
The most important check when you receive a COA is verifying the lot number matches your container label. This confirms the test results apply to your specific material. Keep COAs organized by lot number for easy reference if questions arise later.
Section 2: Test Results & Analytical Data
This is the heart of the COA—the actual analytical test data showing your material's quality characteristics. Each test typically shows:
- Parameter name: What was measured (e.g., "Assay", "Water Content", "Iron")
- Specification: The acceptable range or limit for that parameter
- Actual result: What this specific batch tested at
- Test method: How the analysis was performed
Analytical testing in progress—generating the data that appears on your Certificate of Analysis
| Test Parameter | Specification | Actual Result | Test Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assay (by GC) | ≥ 99.5% | 99.8% | Gas Chromatography per ASTM D6584 |
| Water (H₂O) | ≤ 0.05% | 0.03% | Karl Fischer Titration |
| Residue after Evap. | ≤ 0.001% | 0.0006% | Gravimetric Analysis |
| Acidity (as CH₃COOH) | ≤ 0.002% | 0.001% | Acid-Base Titration |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤ 0.5 ppm | 0.2 ppm | ICP-OES |
| Heavy Metals (as Pb) | ≤ 1 ppm | < 0.5 ppm | ICP-MS |
Understanding Test Results
What the symbols mean:
- ≥ (greater than or equal to): For assay/purity—you want AT LEAST this amount
- ≤ (less than or equal to): For impurities—you want NO MORE than this amount
- < (less than): Result was below the test method's detection limit—this is good for impurity tests
- Range (e.g., 0.785 - 0.787): Result should fall within this range
Understanding "<" results: When you see "< 0.5 ppm", it means the impurity was so low the instrument couldn't detect it—the actual level is somewhere between zero and 0.5 ppm. This is excellent and completely acceptable.
Section 3: Physical Properties
Many COAs include physical property measurements that help confirm the material's identity and characteristics:
| Property | Specification | Typical Result | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Clear, colorless liquid | Clear, colorless liquid | Visual confirmation of quality |
| Specific Gravity @ 20°C | 0.785 - 0.787 | 0.786 | Confirms concentration and purity |
| Refractive Index @ 20°C | 1.377 - 1.378 | 1.3775 | Optical property used for identification |
| Boiling Point | 82°C - 83°C | 82.4°C | Confirms chemical identity |
| pH (if applicable) | 6.0 - 8.0 | 7.2 | Indicates acidity/alkalinity |
Section 4: Test Methods & Analytical Techniques
Good COAs reference the analytical methods used for testing. This helps you understand how the results were obtained and ensures methods are appropriate for the parameters measured.
Common Analytical Method Abbreviations Explained
Chromatography methods (separation techniques):
- GC (Gas Chromatography): Separates and quantifies volatile compounds—used for purity assays, solvent testing
- HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography): For non-volatile organic compounds—pharmaceuticals, additives
- IC (Ion Chromatography): Analyzes ions in solution—chloride, sulfate, anions/cations
Spectroscopy methods (measuring light absorption/emission):
- ICP-OES (Inductively Coupled Plasma - Optical Emission Spectroscopy): Measures trace metals in parts per million (ppm)
- ICP-MS (ICP - Mass Spectrometry): Ultra-trace metals in parts per billion (ppb)
- UV-Vis (Ultraviolet-Visible Spectroscopy): Color, impurities, identity confirmation
- IR (Infrared Spectroscopy): Identifies functional groups and confirms chemical structure
Classical methods:
- Karl Fischer Titration: Gold standard for water content measurement
- Acid-Base Titration: Measures acids, bases, or buffering capacity
- Gravimetric Analysis: Weighing-based measurements—residue after evaporation
Reference standards: COAs often cite ASTM, USP, ACS, or ISO methods. These are recognized standard procedures published by professional organizations.
Section 5: Quality Assurance Approval & Authentication
The final section confirms the COA has been reviewed and approved by quality assurance personnel.
✓ Modern COA Authentication Methods
COAs can be authenticated in several ways—all equally valid:
- Physical signature: Traditional handwritten signature in ink (still common)
- Digital signature: Encrypted electronic signature with verification certificate
- Electronic approval statement: Text stating "Approved by [Name], QA Manager, [Date]"
- LIMS-generated authentication: "This document was generated from our validated Laboratory Information Management System and approved by [ID/Name]"
- QR codes: Scannable codes linking to manufacturer's verification system
What matters: Clear indication of who reviewed the data and when—not whether the signature is ink or digital. Electronic COAs are standard practice and fully acceptable under FDA regulations (21 CFR Part 11), ISO standards, and quality management systems worldwide.
Information typically included:
- Date of testing/analysis
- Analyst name or ID who performed testing
- QA manager or chemist who reviewed/approved
- Authentication method (signature, digital approval, etc.)
- Laboratory accreditation (ISO 17025, etc.) if applicable
- Complete manufacturer contact information
Quality control professionals reviewing and approving Certificates of Analysis
Understanding Chemical Grades & Their Specifications
Chemical grades define different quality levels and purity standards. Understanding these grades helps you select the right material for your application and interpret COA specifications correctly.
ACS Reagent Grade: Laboratory & Analytical Standard
What it is: Chemicals meeting specifications published by the American Chemical Society Committee on Analytical Reagents. The ACS monograph for each chemical defines specific purity requirements and maximum impurity limits.
Typical characteristics:
- High purity: typically 99.0% to 99.9%+ depending on the chemical
- Strict limits on trace metals (usually 0.5-5 ppm per metal)
- Control of interfering substances important for analytical work
- Comprehensive testing: 15-30+ parameters
- Each chemical has its own unique monograph with specific requirements
Best applications:
- Analytical chemistry and instrumental analysis
- Research laboratories requiring high purity
- Quality control testing
- Method development and validation
- Any work where trace impurities could affect results
Example ACS Reagent Grade products from Alliance Chemical:
- Acetone ACS Reagent Grade - 99.5%+ purity for analytical work
- Isopropyl Alcohol 99.9% ACS Reagent Grade - Ultra-high purity
- Methanol ACS Reagent Grade - For HPLC and spectroscopy
- Sulfuric Acid 96% ACS Reagent Grade - Laboratory acid
- Hydrochloric Acid 37% ACS Reagent Grade - Analytical applications
Alliance Chemical ACS Grade COAs
All Alliance Chemical ACS Reagent Grade products include comprehensive Certificates of Analysis documenting:
- Complete testing per ACS monograph specifications
- Actual numerical test results (not just "pass/fail")
- Reference to specific ACS monograph edition
- Lot-specific data matching your product label
- Test methods per ACS specifications or equivalent validated procedures
Need a COA? Contact us at (512) 365-6838 or sales@alliancechemical.com with your lot number.
USP Grade: Pharmaceutical & Medical Standard
What it is: Chemicals meeting United States Pharmacopeia specifications for pharmaceutical ingredients and excipients.
Key characteristics:
- Purity suitable for pharmaceutical use (typically 99.0-99.9%+)
- Very strict heavy metal limits for safety
- May include microbiological testing (bioburden, specific pathogens)
- Tests specific to pharmaceutical applications (clarity, color, specific impurities)
- Follows USP general chapters for standardized testing
- Often requires manufacturer FDA registration
Best applications:
- Pharmaceutical manufacturing (APIs and excipients)
- Compounding pharmacies
- Medical device production
- FDA-regulated products
- Any application requiring pharmaceutical-grade materials
Example USP Grade products from Alliance Chemical:
- Glycerin USP Grade - Pharmaceutical quality
- Propylene Glycol USP Grade - For medical and pharmaceutical use
- Isopropyl Alcohol 70% USP Grade - Disinfection standard
- 100% USP Grade Pure Castor Oil - Pharmaceutical excipient
FCC Grade: Food Industry Standard
What it is: Food Chemicals Codex grade meeting specifications for food ingredients, additives, and processing aids.
Key characteristics:
- Purity appropriate for food contact (99.0-99.5%+ typically)
- Strict limits on lead, arsenic, and other toxic metals
- Compliance with FDA food additive regulations (21 CFR)
- Sensory properties (taste, odor) tested where relevant
- Safe for human consumption within intended use
Best applications:
- Food and beverage manufacturing
- Food-grade cleaning chemicals
- Dietary supplements
- Cosmetics and personal care
- Any product involving food contact
Example FCC/Food Grade products from Alliance Chemical:
- Citric Acid Monohydrate USP/FCC Food Grade
- Phosphoric Acid 85% Food Grade
- Phosphoric Acid 75% Food Grade
- Acetic Acid Glacial Food Grade
Technical Grade: Industrial & Manufacturing Standard
What it is: Industrial-grade chemicals meeting manufacturer specifications—typically lower purity than reagent grades but perfectly suitable for many applications.
Key characteristics:
- Good purity for industrial use (typically 95-99%)
- Less comprehensive testing (5-15 parameters vs. 20+ for ACS)
- Adequate quality for manufacturing and processing
- Significantly lower cost (often 30-50% less than ACS grade)
- Specifications may vary between manufacturers
Best applications:
- Manufacturing and chemical processing
- Industrial cleaning and maintenance
- pH adjustment and water treatment
- Metal treatment and plating
- Any application where trace impurities don't affect outcomes
When technical grade is perfect:
- Wastewater treatment and pH control
- Industrial cleaning operations
- Manufacturing processes where ultra-high purity isn't required
- Applications focused on cost-effectiveness
When to upgrade to reagent grade:
- Analytical chemistry or instrumental analysis
- Research requiring reproducible results
- Applications where trace metals interfere
- Pharmaceutical or medical work
💰 Cost Optimization Tip
Many operations use technical grade chemicals when high purity isn't necessary, saving 30-50% on chemical costs. Evaluate your actual application requirements rather than automatically ordering reagent grade. For example:
- pH adjustment: Technical grade acid/base works perfectly
- Cleaning: Technical grade solvents are adequate
- Analytical work: Invest in ACS/reagent grade
- Research: Use reagent grade for reproducibility
Advanced analytical instrumentation used to generate the test data documented in Certificates of Analysis
Quick Grade Comparison
| Grade | Typical Purity | Parameters Tested | Relative Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ACS Reagent | 99.0-99.9%+ | 15-30+ | High ($$$$) | Analytical labs, research, QC testing |
| USP/NF | 99.0-99.9%+ | 20-40+ | High ($$$$) | Pharmaceutical manufacturing |
| FCC (Food Grade) | 99.0-99.5%+ | 10-25 | Medium-High ($$$) | Food & beverage industry |
| Technical | 95-99% | 5-15 | Low-Medium ($$) | Manufacturing, industrial processing |
| Lab/Purified | 98-99% | 8-15 | Medium ($$$) | Education, general lab work |
How to Use COAs: Practical Applications
Now that you understand what's in a COA, let's look at how to actually use this information in your daily operations.
Step-by-Step: Receiving & Reviewing a COA
Match the Lot Number
First, verify the lot number on the COA matches the lot number printed on your container label. This confirms the COA applies to your specific material. If numbers don't match, contact your supplier to get the correct COA.
Confirm Product & Grade
Check that the product name, CAS number, and grade designation match what you ordered. Verify the grade (ACS, USP, Technical, etc.) is what your application requires.
Review Critical Parameters
Focus on the parameters most important for your application. For analytical work, check assay and trace metals carefully. For manufacturing, verify the parameters that affect your process. Not all parameters matter equally—prioritize what's critical for you.
Verify Specifications Are Met
Scan through the test results to confirm all parameters are within specification limits. Look for any results noted as being outside specifications (though reputable suppliers won't ship out-of-spec material).
Check Dates
Review the manufacturing date and expiration/retest date to ensure adequate shelf life for your needs. Consider your usage rate and whether you'll use the material before expiration.
File for Records
Store the COA in your quality system, ideally organized by lot number. Many labs keep both physical files and electronic copies. Good record-keeping helps with traceability, audits, and troubleshooting.
Using COAs for Different Applications
For Analytical Laboratories
Key parameters to focus on:
- Assay/purity: Directly affects quantitative analysis accuracy
- Trace metals: Can interfere with spectroscopy, catalysis, electrochemistry
- Water content: Affects solution preparation, molecular reactions
- Residue after evaporation: Non-volatile impurities that remain after solvent evaporates
- UV/Visible absorbance: Critical if using as HPLC mobile phase or spectroscopy solvent
COA best practices:
- Keep COAs with your chemical inventory—attach to shelves or cabinets
- Record lot numbers in lab notebooks when starting new bottles
- If results are questionable, reference the COA to rule out material quality issues
- For method validation, document reagent lot numbers and reference COAs in validation reports
For Quality Control Departments
What to document:
- Create approved supplier lists with COA review as part of qualification
- Establish specifications for incoming materials that reference grade requirements
- File COAs as objective evidence for ISO 9001, ISO 17025, GMP audits
- Use COAs to investigate batch failures or out-of-specification results
- Implement periodic supplier reviews examining COA quality and consistency
For Purchasing & Procurement
How COAs support purchasing decisions:
- Compare COAs between suppliers to evaluate quality objectively
- Verify you're getting the grade you're paying for
- Use COAs to justify technical grade vs. reagent grade purchasing decisions
- Request sample COAs before large purchases to evaluate supplier quality
- Keep historical COAs to monitor supplier consistency over time
📊 Comparing Suppliers Using COAs
When evaluating suppliers, request COAs and compare:
- Completeness: Are all required parameters tested?
- Test methods: Are recognized standard methods used?
- Margin of compliance: Do results barely meet specs or exceed them comfortably?
- Professionalism: Is the document well-formatted and complete?
- Responsiveness: How quickly does the supplier provide COAs?
These factors indicate supplier quality and reliability beyond just price.
Common Questions About COAs
Q: Should I request a COA before or after purchasing?
A: For new suppliers or first-time purchases, it's smart to request a sample COA beforehand to evaluate quality documentation. For established suppliers, COAs are typically provided automatically with shipment or available by request after delivery. Alliance Chemical provides COAs for all products upon request—just contact us with your lot number.
Q: What if my COA shows a parameter at the specification limit?
A: Results right at specification limits are acceptable—the material meets requirements. However, if results are consistently at limits (versus comfortably within spec), it may indicate the supplier is operating at the edge of their process capability. For critical applications, look for suppliers whose typical results show comfortable margins above/below limits.
Q: How long should I keep COAs?
A: Keep COAs for at least as long as you have the material, plus your record retention requirements. Many quality systems require 5-7 year retention. For regulated industries (pharmaceutical, medical device), retention periods may be longer—check your specific regulatory requirements. Electronic filing makes long-term storage easy.
Q: Can I use one COA for multiple containers with the same lot number?
A: Yes! The COA applies to the entire production batch/lot, so all containers with the same lot number share the same test results. You don't need a separate COA for each bottle—one COA per lot number is sufficient.
Q: What should I do if I don't receive a COA with my shipment?
A: Simply contact your supplier and request the COA for your specific lot number. Many suppliers provide COAs by email or through online portals rather than including paper copies with shipments. Alliance Chemical customers can request COAs by calling (512) 365-6838, emailing sales@alliancechemical.com, or through our website. We're happy to provide COAs for any lot number.
Advanced COA Interpretation
Once you're comfortable with basic COA reading, these advanced tips help you extract even more value from your certificates.
Spotting Trends in Supplier Quality
Compare COAs from multiple batches from the same supplier over time:
- Consistency: Do results cluster around similar values or vary widely? Consistent results suggest good process control
- Margin of safety: Are results comfortably within specs or frequently near limits? Comfortable margins indicate process robustness
- Test method changes: Has the supplier changed test methods? This might affect comparability to historical data
- Specification changes: Have specs tightened or loosened? This may indicate quality improvements or issues
Using COAs for Method Troubleshooting
When analytical methods produce unexpected results, COAs help troubleshoot:
- Verify reagent quality: Check if trace metal levels in reagents could interfere with your analysis
- Confirm solvent purity: For chromatography, verify HPLC-grade solvents meet UV absorbance specifications
- Rule out lot-to-lot variation: Compare COAs from different lots to see if results variation correlates with reagent lot changes
- Document for validation: Include reagent lot numbers and COA data in method validation reports
Optimizing Chemical Inventory
Use COA dates to manage inventory effectively:
- Implement FIFO (First In, First Out) based on manufacturing dates
- Flag materials approaching expiration for priority use or retest
- For stable chemicals, consider retesting beyond expiration rather than automatic disposal
- Track usage rates and adjust order quantities to minimize waste from expiration
Frequently Asked Questions About COAs
Q: What's the difference between a COA and a Certificate of Conformance (CoC)?
A: A Certificate of Analysis (COA) provides actual analytical test data showing specific results for each parameter. A Certificate of Conformance (CoC) simply states the material "conforms to specifications" without showing actual numbers. COAs are more valuable because they provide the actual test results, allowing you to evaluate quality objectively. For critical applications, always request a full COA rather than just a CoC.
Q: Why do COAs sometimes show "<" symbols instead of exact numbers?
A: The "<" symbol (meaning "less than") indicates the parameter was below the detection limit of the test method. For example, "< 0.5 ppm" means the impurity was so low the instrument couldn't measure it precisely—it's somewhere between zero and 0.5 ppm. This is completely acceptable and actually desirable for impurity tests. It means the impurity level is very low.
Q: Can I request specific additional tests not included on the standard COA?
A: Yes, many suppliers offer custom testing for an additional fee. For example, if you need particle size analysis, specific trace elements, or microbiological testing not included in standard COAs, discuss this with your supplier. Alliance Chemical can arrange additional testing through our QC lab or partner laboratories—contact our technical team at (512) 365-6838 to discuss your requirements.
Q: What does "ACS Reagent Grade" vs "ACS Reagent Certified" mean?
A: "ACS Reagent Grade" means the chemical meets American Chemical Society published specifications for that chemical. "ACS Reagent Certified" or "ACS Certified" means the same thing—it's been tested and certified to meet ACS specs. These terms are equivalent. Some suppliers also use "ACS Spec" or "ACS Quality." All indicate compliance with ACS monograph requirements.
Q: How do I verify a COA is legitimate?
A: Legitimate COAs include: (1) A specific lot number matching your container label, (2) Actual test results (not just "passes" or "conforms"), (3) Authentication (signature, digital approval, or electronic statement), (4) Date of testing, (5) Complete manufacturer contact information. If you're uncertain about a COA's authenticity, contact the manufacturer directly using verified contact information (from their official website) and ask them to confirm the COA for your lot number.
Q: Should technical grade chemicals have COAs?
A: Yes! Even technical grade chemicals should include COAs documenting that the material meets the manufacturer's specifications. Technical grade COAs typically test fewer parameters (5-15) compared to reagent grades (20-30+), but they should still provide actual test data confirming quality. The presence of a proper COA is a sign of a quality-conscious supplier regardless of chemical grade.
Q: What if I receive material but the COA isn't immediately available?
A: This is common—many suppliers provide COAs by email or online portal rather than including them physically with shipments. Simply contact your supplier with the lot number from your container label and request the COA. Most suppliers can provide COAs within 24 hours. At Alliance Chemical, COAs are available upon request by phone (512) 365-6838 or email sales@alliancechemical.com—we typically respond same business day.
Q: Do I need a new COA if I transfer material to a different container?
A: No, the COA stays with the lot number regardless of container. However, if you transfer material to a new container, make sure to label it with the lot number so you maintain traceability to the original COA. Many labs print small labels with product name, lot number, date received, and date opened to attach to transferred containers.
Q: Can COAs be provided electronically, or do they need to be signed paper documents?
A: Electronic COAs are completely acceptable and standard practice in the industry. Electronic COAs with digital signatures or electronic authentication statements are legally equivalent to signed paper documents under FDA regulations (21 CFR Part 11) and are accepted by ISO auditors worldwide. PDF COAs emailed or downloaded from secure portals are valid quality documents. What matters is that the COA includes proper authentication (who approved it and when)—not whether it's paper or electronic.
Alliance Chemical: Your Partner for Quality Documentation
🧪 Alliance Chemical COA Commitment
At Alliance Chemical, we understand that Certificates of Analysis are critical quality documents for your operations. That's why we provide:
- Complete COAs for every product: Comprehensive testing documentation for ACS, USP, FCC, and Technical grades
- Lot-specific test data: Actual analytical results (not just "pass/fail") for your exact material
- Electronic delivery: COAs available by email or download—typically provided within same business day
- Validation support: Reference to recognized test methods (ASTM, USP, ACS) for regulatory compliance
- Verification service: Call us anytime to verify COA authenticity using lot numbers
- Technical support: Our team can help interpret COAs and answer specification questions
- Quality systems: ISO 9001:2015 certified operations with complete audit trails
Need a COA? Contact us at (512) 365-6838 or sales@alliancechemical.com with your lot number and we'll provide it promptly.
Featured Quality-Documented Products
ACS Reagent Grade Chemicals with Complete COAs:
- Acetone ACS Reagent Grade - 99.5%+ purity
- Isopropyl Alcohol 99.9% ACS Reagent Grade
- Methanol ACS Reagent Grade
- Ethyl Acetate ACS Grade
- Hydrochloric Acid 37% ACS Reagent Grade
- Sulfuric Acid 96% ACS Reagent Grade
- Phosphoric Acid 85% ACS Reagent Grade
- Sodium Hydroxide 50% Solution ACS Grade
USP/Pharmaceutical Grade with Documentation:
- Glycerin USP Grade
- Propylene Glycol USP Grade
- Isopropyl Alcohol 70% USP Grade
- 100% USP Grade Pure Castor Oil
Food Grade with Complete Testing:
- Citric Acid Monohydrate USP/FCC Food Grade
- Phosphoric Acid 85% Food Grade
- Acetic Acid Glacial Food Grade
📞 Need Help Understanding a COA or Product Specifications?
Our technical team is here to help you interpret Certificates of Analysis, verify specifications, and ensure you're selecting the right chemical grade for your application. We provide:
- COA interpretation and explanation of specific test parameters
- Comparison of chemical grades (ACS vs USP vs Technical) for your application
- Verification of COA authenticity for any Alliance Chemical lot number
- Guidance on which specifications matter most for your specific use
- Assistance selecting between product options based on your requirements
- Support for quality system audits and regulatory documentation
- Custom testing arrangements for parameters not on standard COAs
Direct Technical Line: (512) 365-6838
Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM CT. Technical inquiries answered within one business day. Email sales@alliancechemical.com with your questions, lot numbers, or COA requests.
