Pelargonic acid assay

Pelargonic acid , also known as nonanoic acid, is a nine-carbon (C9) saturated fatty acid found naturally in certain plants such as geraniums and nettles. It is best known for its use as an active ingredient in natural biopesticides and non-selective herbicides, often used in integrated pest management and organic farming.

It acts by direct contact with the cell membranes of unwanted plants, causing them to dry out rapidly. Its effectiveness, combined with high biodegradability, makes it an increasingly used alternative in contexts where the use of conventional pesticides is limited or regulated.

Why measure pelargonic acid?

Pelargonic acid dosage is essential to guarantee the quality, regulatory compliance, and safety of plant protection product formulations. It is a key parameter in:

• Verification of the concentration in ready-to-use herbicide solutions or concentrated formulations.
• Monitoring the stability of finished products throughout their lifespan.
• Environmental studies on persistence or migration in soils, water or plants.
• The characterization of plant extracts used in biostimulants or natural plant protection products.

Under the European regulation on plant protection products (EC No 1107/2009), the precise determination of the active substance content is a regulatory requirement for registration, placing on the market and post-marketing control.

Available analytical methods

YesWeLab's partner laboratories perform pelargonic acid assays using validated analytical chemistry techniques that meet industrial requirements:

• GC-MS (gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry): reference method for precise quantification in complex matrices (concentrated formulations, residues).

• LC-MS (liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry): an alternative method suitable for certain hydrophilic or thermally unstable matrices.

These methods allow for very high sensitivity and high specificity, even at low concentrations.

Commonly analyzed matrices

Pelargonic acid assay can be applied to different matrices, depending on your quality control, regulatory validation or formulation study needs:

• Plant protection solutions (ready-to-use or concentrated formulations)
• Plant extracts naturally containing pelargonic acid
• Agricultural formulations based on natural active agents
• Biocontrol products under development or already on the market
• Rinse water, soils, agricultural effluents (environmental analyses)

Entrust your analyses to YesWeLab

YesWeLab relies on a network of over 200 partner laboratories specializing in environmental, agrochemical, and physicochemical analyses, most of which are ISO 17025 certified and/or COFRAC accredited. We select the laboratories best suited to your needs, based on:

• From the analyzed matrix
• The required analytical technique
• Depending on your time constraints, budget or quality standards

Since 2020, many manufacturers, formulators and distributors have entrusted us with the management of their analyses via our centralized digital platform, which facilitates requests, sample tracking and access to results.

Get a personalized quote

Do you need to measure pelargonic acid levels in your environmental formulations or matrices? Request a quote now through our platform or contact our scientific team to be directed to the most suitable method and laboratory.

YesWeLab, your partner for customized, compliant, reliable and responsive analyses.