Eight Webinars and a Roundtable with Experts from Merck
'Analytical Excellence Week' is organized to empower professionals in the field of analytical chemistry. Over the course of eight insightful sessions, industry experts will share their knowledge and best practices to streamline your analytical workflows and enhance your efficiency.
From understanding quality grades in inorganics and solvents to exploring sustainable practices in the lab, each webinar covers essential topics that will enhance your analytical capabilities. Learn how to optimize your Karl Fischer titration, achieve precision in PFAS testing, and gain troubleshooting tips for LC-MS to effectively address common challenges and improve your laboratory results.
The sessions will also address critical aspects of safety and sustainability, ensuring you are well-equipped to handle hazardous chemicals responsibly while making strides toward greener laboratory practices.
This is an invaluable opportunity to gain insights that can significantly optimize your analytical processes. Don’t miss your chance to elevate your expertise and contribute to a more efficient and sustainable future in analytical workflows.
Each session is specifically designed to address essential topics that directly impact your daily practices, making it relevant for all professionals working in a chemical analysis laboratory.
Please register for each day you wish to attend using the form on the right.
Please note that the presentations for each day will be broadcast twice at the times below, so there is the option to attend at either time. Each presentation in each session will last approximately 45 minutes.
Start times:
Broadcast #1:
Presentation #1: 9 am GMT (London) / 10 am CET (Paris/Berlin) / 2:30 pm IST (New Delhi) / 5 pm SGT (Singapore)
Presentation #2: 9:45 am GMT (London) / 10:45 am CET (Paris/Berlin) / 3:15 pm IST (New Delhi) / 5:45 pm SGT (Singapore)
Broadcast #2:
Presentation #1: 7 am PST (Los Angeles) / 9 am CST (Chicago) / 10 am EST (New York) / 12 pm BRT (Rio de Janeiro)
Presentation #2: 7:45 am PST (Los Angeles) / 9:45 am CST (Chicago) / 10:45 am EST (New York) / 12:45 pm BRT (Rio de Janeiro)
Duration: 90 minutes
Presentation #1:
Navigating Quality Grades Part 1: Inorganics and Solvents for Classical Analysis and Research
Christian Roth, Senior Product Manager Inorganics, Merck; and Lyra Christianson, Product Manager Solvents, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA, an affiliate of Merck
Join us for an insightful webinar focused on the critical process of selecting the right quality grade for inorganic reagents and solvents used both in analytical and research applications. We will provide an in-depth overview of various quality grades, including ACS grade and EMSURE®, and discuss their specific attributes, including purity, regulatory support, and packaging. Gain valuable insights into the importance of this choice and its impact on the quality of your lab processes and outcomes.
By attending this webinar, you will:
- Understand the significance of choosing the right quality grade for your lab applications
- Explore the available quality grades, including ACS grade and EMSURE®, and their specific attributes
- Recognize the impact of quality grade selection
- Learn best practices for selecting and utilizing the appropriate quality grade for several applications
Who should attend:
This webinar is designed for professionals involved in laboratory work who seek to enhance their understanding of quality grades for inorganic reagents and solvents. It is particularly relevant for lab technicians, researchers, and managers in analytical labs (like QC, environmental, etc.) method development and research laboratories that are looking to optimize their processes and outcomes.
Presentation #2:
Navigating Quality Grades Part 2: Solvents and Reagents for Chromatography Applications
Patric Klein, Global Product Manager Organic and Inorganics Instrumental Analysis, Merck; Fernando Luengo, Global Product Manager HPLC Solvents, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA, an affiliate of Merck; and Daniel Weibel, Global Product Manager Solvents, Merck
This second part focuses on the critical process of selecting the right quality grades used in chromatography applications. We provide an in-depth overview of various quality grades, from Suprasolv® solvents for GC to LiChrosolv® solvents for HPLC, in combination with LiChropurTM reagents, and discuss their specific attributes, including purity, regulatory support, and packaging. The topic will be illustrated by typical HPLC and LC-MS applications.
By attending this webinar, you will learn:
- Which grades are suitable for which chromatographic analysis
- What are the specific attributes of the solvents and reagents
- How to combine different quality grades meaningfully
- How to identify and differentiate between various quality grades of reagents and solvents.
- To understand the critical importance of selecting the appropriate quality grade for your specific analytical applications
Who should attend
Lab technicians, lab managers, and quality control-related persons who need to understand how to select the different quality grades for HPLC and LC-MS applications.
Presentation #1:
Dihydropinene, γ-Valerolactone, and Dimethyl Isosorbide: Bio-Sourced Versatile Green Solvents for Diverse Organic Synthesis
Saikat Sinha, R&D Manager, Merck
The growing environmental concerns and regulatory restrictions on conventional organic solvents derived from non-renewable sources have spurred the search for greener, sustainable alternatives. This presentation will explore the potential of dihydropinene (DHP), γ-valerolactone (GVL), and dimethyl isosorbide (DMI) as bio-sourced and biodegradable solvents, offering a promising solution to replace toxic and non-renewable solvents. DHP, derived from turpentine oil, is an effective substitute for solvents such as n-hexane, benzene, and dichloromethane, while GVL and DMI are ideal replacements for hazardous solvents such as DMF, NMP, and DMA.
These solvents not only perform well in various chemical transformations but also offer significant environmental benefits due to their biodegradability, low toxicity, and recyclability. The presentation will highlight the applications of DHP, GVL, and DMI in green chemistry, showcasing their potential in organic synthesis and industrial processes. It will also discuss their role in advancing sustainable practices, reducing dependency on fossil-based solvents, and promoting safer working environments. By focusing on green solvent solutions, the presentation will emphasize their future potential in scientific research, production, and industrial applications.
By attending this webinar, you will learn:
- Sustainable Solvent Alternatives: How bio-based solvents such as DHP, GVL, and DMI can replace conventional toxic solvents, providing eco-friendly, biodegradable options for chemical processes.
- Environmental and Safety Benefits: The environmental advantages of these solvents, including biodegradability, low toxicity, and recyclability, and how they promote safer and greener practices in research and industry.
- Practical Applications: How these solvents can be effectively used in organic synthesis, industrial processes, and various scientific fields, contributing to more sustainable and efficient chemical solutions.
Who should attend:
This presentation will benefit those working in pharmaceutical and drug discovery R&D, process development of API, environmental scientists and sustainability experts, industry professionals in chemical engineering and manufacturing, materials science researchers, and students and researchers in green chemistry.
Presentation #2:
Enhance Your PFAS Testing: Achieve Precision and Reduce Background Noise with Specialized Consumables
Patrik Appelblad, Fellow and Technical Lead, Analytical Chemistry R&D, Merck
Join this presentation to explore advanced LC-MS/MS methods for determining PFAS analytes at low levels across diverse samples and matrices. Learn how to identify contamination sources, reduce background noise, and improve testing precision with specific recommendations on PFAS-qualified consumables. Discover various LC-MS/MS PFAS testing workflows and strategies to minimize errors, supported by data from both regulated and non-regulated methods.
By attending this webinar, you will learn:
- Detailed insights into different LC-MS/MS PFAS methods
- Techniques to identify and test contamination sources
- Strategies to reduce background noise
- Practical tips and tricks for improved testing
Who should attend:
This webinar is essential for lab technicians, lab managers, and quality assurance managers involved in developing in-house methods or verifying regulated testing protocols such as EPA Methods 533, 537.1, and 1633.
Presentation #1:
Optimize Your Karl Fischer Titration: Expert Insights for Enhanced Results
Bettina Straub-Jubb, Global Product Manager Analytical Technologies, Merck
With Karl Fischer titration, you can quickly and accurately determine water content in a wide variety of samples. The accuracy of the results depends on a well-defined titration application process. Pre-titration and titer determination are essential for obtaining correct results. The main challenges arise from samples that do not dissolve or that undergo side reactions in standard solvents. Learn the measures you can take to release water from such samples and the preferred methods to use—volumetry or coulometry. Additionally, discover how digital data transfer enables efficient, fast, and secure data integration with your titrator software.
By attending this webinar, you will learn:
- The key steps in the Karl Fischer titration process
- The importance of accurate pre-titration and regular titer determination
- Effective methods for completely releasing water from your samples
- How digital data transfer can streamline and secure your daily data transfer and documentation
- Practical tips for overcoming daily challenges in Karl Fischer Titration
Who should attend:
This webinar will be especially valuable for individuals involved in developing Karl Fischer titration applications, performing titrations in QC labs or during in-process control, and those responsible for assessing and enhancing processes. This includes lab technicians, lab managers, and quality assurance managers across various segments.
Presentation #2:
Beyond Safety Standards – Best Practices for Safe Handling of Hazardous Chemicals
Annett Schneider, Global Product Manager and Lead Expert for Safety Products and Essentials, Merck
This webinar illustrates the role of safety in the lab as well as the challenges that can occur while handling hazardous goods in the daily lab work and how to overcome these challenges. Rules and regulations for daily handling of hazardous goods are discussed, and options are shown on how to improve daily processes regarding personal safety. The presentation focuses on the prevention of accidents, emergency help in case of chemical spillages, and safe and reliable cleaning of lab equipment. Join the webinar for an informative overview of safety solutions and tools for maximum safety and reliability in your lab.
By attending this webinar, you will learn:
- Basic safety risks and rules for daily handling of hazardous goods and options for how to improve daily processes regarding personal safety
- Packaging-related safety topics
- Practical guidelines for handling hazardous chemicals in case of spillages
- Lab equipment cleaning know-how for reliable analytical results
Who should attend:
Staff and head of chemical labs (e.g. quality control, research), as well as safety managers/safety engineers for chemical laboratories.
Presentation #1:
Greener Solvents - Making Big Moves for More Sustainability in the Lab!
Frank Michel, Scientific Education & Sustainability, Chemistry Franchise, Merck; and John Cooper, Global Product Manager Sustainable Solvents, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA, an affiliate of Merck
Laboratories consume significantly more energy and water and generate more waste than offices or households. This is more reason for laboratories to tackle sustainability concerns now. This training supports labs to become greener by addressing the class of chemicals that are used in the largest volumes in the lab: solvents! According to the 12 Principles of Green Chemistry, solvents are more sustainable when they are biobased or when they are less dangerous and hazardous.
This training highlights several of these greener solvent alternatives and how they can be implemented in the lab. Due to the large volume in which solvents are used, changing to a greener alternative will significantly reduce the carbon footprint of a lab. A further opportunity to reduce the carbon footprint of a lab and to tremendously reduce waste, are returnable containers for solvents, which will be covered in the second part of the training.
By attending this webinar, you will learn:
- The 12 Principles of Green Chemistry
- What greener solvents are and how they can be implemented in your lab
- How returnable containers for solvents reduce the carbon footprint and amount of waste in the lab
Who should attend:
This webinar will provide valuable insights for everybody who is working with solvents in the lab and would like to become more sustainable. This includes lab technicians, lab managers, and scientists in chemistry and analytical chemistry labs.
Presentation #2:
Tips and Tricks for LC-MS Troubleshooting
Frank Michel, Scientific Education & Sustainability, Chemistry Franchise, Merck
LC-MS is an excellent tool for chemical analysis. Moreover, the evolution in HPLC particle technology, HPLC instrument design, and MS detection resulted in improved performance and sensitivity. This raised the bar on requirements for the purity of the solvents and additives in the mobile phase. This training provides valuable tips and tricks on how to get the best performance out of your LC-MS instrument regarding sensitivity and how to limit instrument downtime by different approaches. Typical examples of LC-MS issues, such as ghost peaks or noisy and elevated baselines, and how to prevent them will be presented. Advanced LC-MS solvents and additives for improved LC-MS performance and their proper handling will be discussed in detail.
By attending this webinar, you will learn:
- The importance of the choice of consumables and solvents for LC-MS
- Approaches to improve sensitivity and robustness of LC-MS
Who should attend:
This webinar will be especially valuable for scientists, lab managers, and lab technicians working with LC-MS in any application area.
Roundtable Expert Discussion
Broadcast #1: 9 am GMT (London) / 10 am CET (Paris/Berlin) / 2:30 pm IST (New Delhi) / 5 pm SGT (Singapore)
Broadcast #2: 7 am PST (Los Angeles) / 9 am CST (Chicago) / 10 am EST (New York) / 12 pm BRT (Rio de Janeiro)
Our experts will come together to discuss the best practices to streamline your analytical workflows and enhance your efficiency. We will cover some questions asked during the week, as well as answer new questions during the roundtable discussion.
Moderator:
Ernie Hillier
Independent Pharmaceutical Consultant, EJH Consulting
Duration: Approximately 1 hour
Sponsored by
The life science business of Merck operates as MilliporeSigma in the U.S. and Canada.
For further information about our names in the US, Canada and internationally, please refer to our disclaimer at merckgroup.com.