What is the highest purity level of chemicals often referred to as?

The highest purity level of chemicals is commonly referred to as analytical grade. This classification indicates that the chemical meets strict standards for purity and is suitable for laboratory analyses where precise measurements are crucial. Analytical grade chemicals have a purity of 99% or higher and must adhere to rigorous testing to ensure they are free from contaminants that could affect experimental results.

In laboratory environments, analytical grade chemicals are often required for specific procedures, such as quantitative analysis, where any impurities could significantly skew results. This grade of chemicals is extensively used in research and development settings where the accuracy of experimentation is paramount.

Other grades, such as reagent grade, technical grade, and industrial grade, differ in terms of purity levels and application suitability. Reagent grade may be pure enough for many applications but does not always meet the stringent criteria set for analytical grade. Technical grade typically refers to chemicals that are suitable for industrial use with lower purity and quality standards than those used in laboratories. Industrial grade generally includes substances used for manufacturing processes and may contain impurities that would not be acceptable in scientific or analytical settings.