Elemental Analysis Testing Services

Accurate determination of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and sulfur content in organic compounds.

Elemental analysis (also known as CHNS analysis, CHN analysis, or combustion analysis) is an essential technique for compound verification, purity assessment, and quality control. Our Perkin Elmer PE2400-Series II CHNS/O analyzer delivers precise, reliable results with a 3-5 business day turnaround.

What is Elemental Analysis?

Elemental analysis determines the weight percentage of carbon (C), hydrogen (H), nitrogen (N), and sulfur (S) in organic compounds. The technique uses high-temperature combustion to convert the sample into simple gases, which are then quantified using thermal conductivity detection.

Results are reported as weight percentages (% by weight) for each element, which can be compared to theoretical values calculated from the molecular formula to verify compound identity and assess purity.

Common Applications

Compound Verification

Confirm that your synthesized compound matches the expected molecular formula. Essential for:

  • Publication requirements
  • Patent applications
  • Thesis defense
  • IND submissions

Quality Control

Routine testing for batch-to-batch consistency in:

  • Pharmaceutical intermediates
  • API (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient)
  • Fine chemicals
  • Agrochemicals
  • Net Peptide Content determination

How Elemental Analysis Works

Our Perkin Elmer PE2400-Series II analyzer uses the dynamic flash combustion method:

  1. Combustion: Sample is burned at high temperature (>900°C) in pure oxygen
  2. Gas Formation: Elements are converted to simple gases:
    • Carbon → CO₂ (carbon dioxide)
    • Hydrogen → H₂O (water)
    • Nitrogen → N₂ (nitrogen gas)
    • Sulfur → SO₂ (sulfur dioxide)
  3. Separation: Combustion gases are separated by gas chromatography
  4. Detection: Individual gases are quantified using thermal conductivity detector (TCD)
  5. Calculation: Results are converted to weight percentages of each element

Accuracy: Typical precision is ±0.4% for C, H, N and ±0.5% for S

Reproducibility: Duplicate or triplicate analyses ensure reliable results

Understanding Your Results

Your elemental analysis report includes measured percentages for each element, which you can compare to theoretical values calculated from your molecular formula.

Interpreting Results:

  • Good Agreement: Found values within ±0.4% of calculated values typically indicates high purity
  • Lower C/H: May indicate presence of water, inorganic salts, or incomplete drying
  • Higher C/H: May indicate loss of volatile components or presence of organic impurities
  • Nitrogen Discrepancy: Could indicate incomplete nitrogen determination or nitrogen-containing impurities

Our analytical chemists can help interpret unusual results and identify potential issues. Interpretation services are available upon request.

Sample Requirements

Sample Amount

  • Minimum: 4-6 mg required
  • Recommended: 6-15 mg for duplicate/triplicate analysis
  • More material ensures better accuracy and allows for repeat analysis if needed
  • Contact us if you have limited sample material

Sample Form & Preparation

  • Physical form: Solid, powder, or dried residue preferred
  • Drying: Sample should be dried under vacuum or in desiccator
  • Hygroscopic samples: Store in sealed container, note on submission form
  • Oils/liquids: Need to be able to extract ~3mg per run from container

Important Sample Considerations:

  • Water Content: Residual water will affect C/H ratios. Dry samples thoroughly before submission.
  • Volatile Components: Compounds with very volatile components may give low results.
  • Solvents: Remove all residual solvents (check by H-1 NMR if uncertain).
  • Metal Complexes: May require special handling - contact us before submission.
  • Halogenated Compounds: Halogens (F, Cl, Br, I) are not determined by standard CHNS analysis.

Turnaround Time & Service Options

Standard Turnaround: 3-5 business days from sample receipt

Rush Service: Available upon request - contact us to discuss your timeline

Analysis Options:

  • CHN Analysis: Carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen only
  • CHNS Analysis: Carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and sulfur
  • Duplicate/Triplicate: Multiple runs for better precision (recommended)

For pricing information, please visit our Pricing page or contact us for a custom quote.

Complementary Analytical Techniques

For complete characterization, consider combining elemental analysis with:

NMR Spectroscopy

Provides structural information and can detect residual solvents that affect elemental analysis results

Mass Spectrometry

Confirms molecular weight and provides molecular formula determination

Multiple NMR Nuclei

C-13 NMR, P-31 NMR, F-19 NMR for atoms not detected by elemental analysis

Our Instrumentation

Perkin Elmer PE2400-Series II CHNS/O Analyzer

Our laboratory is equipped with the Perkin Elmer PE2400-Series II, a state-of-the-art elemental analyzer featuring:

  • Dynamic flash combustion at controlled high temperature
  • Thermal conductivity detection for accurate quantification
  • Regular calibration using certified reference materials
  • Quality control standards run with each batch
  • GLP-compliant operation for regulatory submissions

Ready to Verify Your Compound?

Get accurate elemental analysis results with 3-5 day turnaround

Submit a Sample View Pricing

Questions? Contact us or call (858) 793-6057

Why Choose NuMega for Elemental Analysis?

30+ Years Experience

Founded in 1993, we've been providing expert analytical chemistry services for over three decades

Quality Equipment

Perkin Elmer PE2400-Series II analyzer with regular calibration and quality control

Expert Support

Our analytical chemists can help interpret results and troubleshoot unexpected values

GLP Compliance

Established SOPs and documentation for regulatory submissions

Fast Turnaround

3-5 business day standard service with rush options available

Secure Data

Your data is your property and is stored securely