UV-visible spectroscopy

UV-visible spectroscopy is an analytical technique used to study the chemical properties of a sample based on how it interacts with visible and ultraviolet light. UV-vis can be used to measure concentrations, identify unknown compounds, and provide information about the physical and electronic structures of organic and inorganic compounds. It is widely used in chemical, physical, and biological assays.

uv-vis
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Some of our UV-vis analysis services

Formaldehyde content in extracts of paper and board

EN 1541, EN 645, EN 647
Determination of formaldehyde (CAS 50-00-0) content in cold or hot water extracts of paper or board. The method is suitable, for example, for an analysis of formaldehyde migration by the German BfR Recommendation XXXVI. The migration limit for formaldehyde is 1.0 mg/dm2 of paper or board. Formaldehyde is used in various chemicals and additives that are used in paper and board production.
168 €
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Lignin content of biomass

NREL/TP 510-42618, TAPPI T-UM 250, TAPPI T222
Determination of the acid-insoluble and acid-soluble lignin content of biomass samples. A solid biomass sample is hydrolyzed, and the acid-insoluble residue is filtered out to determine the amount of Klason lignin. Acid-soluble lignin is determined from the hydrolysate using a UV-VIS-spectrophotometer. The lignin content is reported as wt-% of the initial sample on an oven-dry basis. To obtain a more comprehensive picture of sample composition, we also offer a compositional analysis of biomass, which includes a determination of carbohydrate composition in addition to lignin content.
322 €
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Compositional analysis of biomass

NREL/TP 510-42618, SCAN CM 71, TAPPI T-UM 250, …
This biomass composition analysis includes the following determinations: Carbohydrate content, Lignin content , Degradation products. During the analysis, the biomass sample is hydrolyzed to break the carbohydrates into detectable monomeric sugars. These are analyzed using either ion chromatography or high-performance liquid chromatography, depending on the test standard. The acid-insoluble residue is filtered out and its ash content is determined to measure the amount of Klason lignin. Acid-soluble lignin is determined from the hydrolysate using a UV-spectrophotometer. Organic acids and furans can also be quantified upon request. Please let us know which compositional parameters you wish to be included in the report when requesting an offer for the analysis.
723 €
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Spectral transmittance and reflectance with UV-Vis (liquid samples)

This measurement determines the spectral transmittance or reflectance of a liquid sample. Based on these properties, the absorbance can be calculated. The wavelength spectrum is from 210 - 380 nm for UV radiation and 380 - 780 nm for visible light. Translucent and opaque liquids can be analyzed.
273 €
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Dissolved silicon in ultrapure water

The measurement determines the content of dissolved silicon in ultrapure water using UV-Vis spectroscopy (molybdenum heteropolyblue method). The silicon detection limit is 0.7 ppb. The sample must be collected in a suitable sample container designed for ultrapure water. Measurlabs can provide the required sample vessels upon request.
157 €
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EN 717-1: Formaldehyde emissions from construction materials

EN 717-1
European standard EN 717-1 outlines a chamber method for measuring formaldehyde emissions from wood-based panels. During testing, test pieces are placed in a chamber with controlled temperature, relative humidity, loading factor, and air exchange rate. Formaldehyde concentration in the air is then measured at specified intervals until a steady state concentration has been reached. The results are expressed in mg/m3. The EN 717-1 method is equivalent to that described in Appendix 14 to Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/1464, which states that certain formaldehyde-releasing articles must not be placed on the market after 6 August 2026. To comply with the regulation, materials must not release formaldehyde in excess of the following values: 0.062 mg/m3 for furniture and wood-based articles, 0.080 mg/m3 for articles other than furniture and wood-based articles.
899–1,083 €
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Spectral transmittance and reflectance with UV-Vis-NIR (solid samples)

UV-Vis-NIR is a technique used for analyzing the optical properties of materials across a wide range of wavelengths. Typical ranges are from 200 nm to 2500 nm. This measurement determines the spectral transmittance and reflectance of a solid sample. The method involves determining how much light is transmitted through a sample across the ultraviolet (UV), visible (Vis), and near-infrared (NIR) regions of the spectrum. The measurement includes transmittance and reflectance spectral measurements for solid, flat samples within the wavelength range of 200 nm to 2500 nm. For non-standard samples or measurements outside this range, please contact us for further information.
490 €
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Prices excluding VAT.

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  • Personal service from method experts
  • Competitive prices
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What is UV-visible spectroscopy used for?

UV-vis spectroscopy can be used to identify the presence of both organic and inorganic compounds in a solution and quantify their concentrations quickly and efficiently. This gives the method applications in chemical analysis, where it can also be used to monitor the progression of reactions.

DNA and RNA can be effectively quantified using UV-vis, as absorption of UV light at 260 nm is an indicator of their presence. UV-vis is also a popular quality assurance technique in the pharmaceutical and food industries, and can be used to characterize the composition of industrial chemicals according to the REACH regulation.

How does UV-vis spectroscopy work?

A UV-vis spectrophotometer works by shining light onto a sample that is usually in the form of a solution, though solid-state UV-vis is also occasionally used. The light's wavelength is gradually varied across a range of ultraviolet and visible light, and the percentage of light that passes through the solution is monitored. From this, the amount of light absorbed at each wavelength can be presented as a spectrum that can be compared to existing data libraries to identify the sample's components.

UV-VIS spectroscopy
A simplified diagram of the UV-vis system.

When a sample absorbs a certain wavelength of light, its visual appearance will usually be of the color of light on the opposite side of the spectrum. For example, a solution that strongly absorbs blue light will typically appear orange to us. UV-vis makes the most of this quality and gathers important data by analyzing the type of light that a sample will absorb or reflect.

Strengths and limitations of UV-vis

The ability of UV-vis to analyze organic compounds in addition to inorganic ones is a major advantage compared to methods like atomic fluorescence spectroscopy (AFS) and atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), which can only detect elements that absorb light in the visible range.

The primary limitation of UV-visible spectroscopy is its inability to analyze compounds that do not interact with light in the UV and visible areas of the spectrum. This includes certain inorganic compounds and organic components that do not have a high level of electron conjugation. The effectiveness of UV-vis will depend mostly on the compound, and whether or not it has the correct properties to interact with UV or visible light.

Furthermore, to determine unknown concentrations using UV-vis, other known concentrations will usually need to be analyzed to produce a calibration curve as a reference. For this, several samples may need to be tested, making the calibration process much more lengthy than the analysis itself.

Sample requirements and preparation

In most cases, UV-vis samples must be dissolved in a suitable solvent before analysis. The solvent should successfully dissolve any solid material without producing any results itself. The resulting solution must be in a concentration that allows light to transmit through. If the concentration is too high, the solution will likely need further dilutions, until accurate results can be obtained.

Solid-state UV-visible spectroscopy is also occasionally used. For this, a solid sample is compacted into a disc, and the light reflected from it is analyzed. The sample must be in a powdered form so that it can be easily analyzed by the spectrophotometer.

Need a UV-vis spectroscopy analysis?

Measurlabs offers UV-visible spectroscopy analyses with fast results and affordable prices for sample batches from a few samples up to hundreds. If you have any questions about your sample or its suitability for the method, our experts are always happy to help. You can contact us through the form below and we will get back to you latest the next business day.

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Suitable sample matrices

  • Conjugated organic materials
  • Compounds that contain metals
  • Solutions of suitable concentrations
  • Powdered solid materials

Ideal uses of UV-Vis

  • DNA & RNA analyses
  • Determining unknown concentrations
  • Identifying unknown chemicals
  • Analyzing colored solutions

Ask for an offer

Fill in the form, and we'll reply in one business day.

Answering the following questions helps us prepare an offer for you faster:

  • How many samples do you have, and what is the sample material?

  • What is the goal of the analysis?

  • Do you have specific requirements regarding sample preparation, detection limit, etc.?

  • Do you have a recurring need for these tests? If yes, how often and for how many samples at a time?

Have questions or need help? Email us at or call our sales team.

Frequently asked questions

What is UV-Vis spectroscopy used for?

UV-visible spectroscopy is used to analyze the chemical properties of a material. It can be used to determine concentrations, identify unknown compounds, and provide information about the physical and electronic structures of organic and inorganic compounds.

What kinds of samples are suitable for UV-Vis?

Solutions of suitable concentrations, conjugated organic molecules, compounds containing metals, and powdered solids are suitable for UV-Vis analysis.

What are the limitations of UV-Vis?

UV-visible spectroscopy is unable to analyze compounds that do not interact with light in the UV and visible areas of the spectrum. Examples of this type of material are organic components that do not have a high level of electron conjugation, as well as certain inorganic compounds.

What is Measurlabs?

Measurlabs offers a variety of laboratory analyses for product developers and quality managers. We perform some of the analyses in our own lab, but mostly we outsource them to carefully selected partner laboratories. This way we can send each sample to the lab that is best suited for the purpose, and offer high-quality analyses with more than a thousand different methods to our clients.

How does the service work?

When you contact us through our contact form or by email, one of our specialists will take ownership of your case and answer your query. You get an offer with all the necessary details about the analysis, and can send your samples to the indicated address. We will then take care of sending your samples to the correct laboratories and write a clear report on the results for you.

How do I send my samples?

Samples are usually delivered to our laboratory via courier. Contact us for further details before sending samples.