ASOSolv Q&A

What is ASOSolv?

A high-purity organic solvent engineered to create a bridge between oil-based sample matrices with aqueous Certified Reference Materials for ICP-OES analysis of wear metals, additive element, sulfur, and contaminants in lubricating and edible oils. Laboratories performing elemental analysis of oils - lubricants, machinery oils, coolants, and edible oils - have long faced a difficult challenge: use organometallic standards with possible stability issues, and supply challenges that come with them, and miss out on the consistency and coverage that aqueous CRMs provide. ASOSolv™ eliminates that trade-off.

ASOSolv™ is a organic solvent designed to maintain the accuracy, stability, and flexibility required for demanding oil analysis applications. It works with both aqueous CRMs and traditional organometallic standards - one solvent, one streamlined workflow.

120°C

Flashpoint — not classified as flammable

pH 6.5

Near-neutral pH

Non-DOT

Not regulated as hazardous material for shipping

W203

Form Code — non-halogenated solvent

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the solvent flammable?

No, ASOSolv™ is not flammable. A liquid is classified as flammable if its flashpoint is ≤93°C. ASOSolv™'s flashpoint is 120°C, placing it well outside the flammability threshold.

What are the EPA hazardous waste codes for identification of the solvent?

Unused solvent: When discarded as waste, unused ASOSolv™ will not carry any EPA hazardous waste codes and will not be classified as hazardous waste under 40 CFR Part 261.

Spent solvent: After mixing with other impurities or components — including oil samples, aqueous standards, organometallic standards, or other solvents — the spent solvent will carry at least the F005hazardous waste code (F List, 40 CFR 261.31). F003 will not apply, even if mixed with xylene, acetone, ethyl acetate, ethyl benzene, ethyl ether, methyl isobutyl ketone, n-butyl alcohol, cyclohexanone, or methanol — unless the flashpoint of the final mixture drops below 60°C. If the final spent solvent meets or exceeds maximum leachable concentration regulatory levels for any hazardous components listed in Table 1 (40 CFR 261.24), the applicable toxicity characteristic D codes would also apply.

What will the Source Code and Form Code for the solvent waste stream be?

The Form Code will be W203 (Concentrated non-halogenated, e.g. non-chlorinated, solvent).

The Source Code will depend on the specific use of the solvent in your lab. For more information, visit the EPA RCRAInfo Nationally Defined Values sections in the Biennial Report Module covering Form Code and Source Code.

What are the hazardous components in the solvent?

Isobutanol (CAS # 78-83-1) — 10–90%
Ethyl Lactate (CAS # 97-64-3) — 10–90%

What is the UN Code for shipping the solvent?

ASOSolv™ does not require a UN Code for shipping, as it is not regulated as a hazardous material under DOT. See 49 CFR Subpart B for more information on the designation of hazardous materials.

For additional reference, the UNECE website provides the UN Model Regulations Rev. 23 (2023), reflecting the most recent revisions to the UN Model Regulations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods.

Which Emergency Response Guide (ERG) Number should be used for the solvent?

An ERG number does not apply to unused ASOSolv™, since it is not classified as a DOT hazardous material. For general reference, the 2024 Emergency Response Guidebook is available to view or download.

What are the Hazard Statements associated with the solvent?

H315 Causes skin irritation
H319 Causes serious eye irritation
H335 May cause respiratory irritation
H336 May cause drowsiness or dizziness

What is the pH of the solvent?

ASOSolv™ has a pH of 6.5, making it near-neutral.

Have a Regulatory or Safety Question Not Answered Here?

Our technical team is available to help you navigate compliance, handling, and disposal questions specific to your laboratory's waste stream and jurisdiction.

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Methods, Challenges, and Modern Solutions for ICP Laboratories:

Traditional oil analysis methods can introduce challenges related to solvent handling, standard stability, and contamination control. This practical guide explores modern approaches to elemental analysis and demonstrates how ASOSolv™ supports safer, more flexible workflows for wear metals, additive elements, and edible oils.

Whether you are new to oil analysis or looking to improve an existing workflow, this guide covers the key challenges laboratories face and how ASOSolv™ addresses them — from instrument maintenance and supply chain reliability to elemental coverage and detection limits.

40+ Years of ICP Expertise
Trusted by labs worldwide since 1985
Direct Dilution Methods
Aligned with ASTM D5185, D4951, D5708, ISO 21033, ISO 10540-3, and FDA EAM 4.4.
Wear & Additive Metals White Paper
A new direct dilution method using ASOSolv™ spiked with cobalt and yttrium internal standards.
One-Stop Calibration Resource
33-element, two-solution kits across nine concentration levels, with full pricing included.

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Standard turnaround with 24-hour response to quote inquiries — supply chain reliability built in.

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