Physicochemical testing covers properties such as pH, pKa, logP/logD, solubility, melting point, density, viscosity, water content, optical rotation, stability, crystallinity, and related material attributes.
This decision-focused guide explains the scientific measurement basis, when to use it, its limitations, sample amount considerations, competing methods, FDA-facing concerns, and common mistakes.
Physical and chemical properties analysis measures material attributes such as boiling/freezing/melting point, conductivity, density, pH, redox potential, refractive index, logP/logD, solubility, stability, crystallinity, flowability, water content, and related tests.
Use it when development needs a property profile for identity, formulation, storage, processing, dissolution, comparability, impurity investigation, or raw-material qualification.
Property values depend on method, solvent, temperature, humidity, sample form, impurities, and history. Apparent properties can reflect a metastable solid form or formulation state rather than intrinsic molecular behavior.
Sample amount depends on technique, matrix, replicate needs, detection limit, cGMP requirements, and whether method development or validation is required. Confirm exact amounts at project intake.
Chromatography, MS, NMR, XRPD, DSC/TGA, DVS/KF, UV/Vis, ICP-MS, XRF, particle size, and microscopy compete or complement depending on which property is critical.
FDA-facing work should connect the method to a quality attribute, document sample preparation and specificity, and support validation or verification where the result is used for release, stability, or regulatory decisions.
Common mistakes include treating instrument output as interpretation, using a non-representative matrix, failing to document sample handling, or not using orthogonal methods when the first method is not specific enough.
Triclinic uses physical and chemical property measurements to connect material attributes to formulation, processing, storage, and developability decisions. Real-world applications include solubility and dissolution support, hygroscopicity and moisture-risk assessment, pH or ionization-related questions, compatibility screening, and investigations where a property change explains performance, stability, or manufacturability differences.
The table below lists the specific platforms, brands, models, software, detectors, and capability notes relevant to this service area.
| Instrument or platform | Brand, model, software, or detector | Additional capabilities and use |
|---|---|---|
| Dissolution testing | VanKel VF750D dissolution platform with UV/VIS or HPLC detection | Dissolution profiles, in vitro release support, bioavailability-relevant release comparisons, and USP <711>-style method support. |
| Polarimetry | Rudolph Autopol V Plus with Embedded Polarimeter Software v.3.2.6.1006 | Optical rotation, chirality-related purity checks, concentration support, and rapid identity/purity screening. |
| Contact-angle / wetting analysis | Rame-Hart imaging system with Drop Image Advanced Software v.1.4.11 and automated dispensing system | Contact angle, surface wetting, powder wettability, hydrophilic/hydrophobic classification, and formulation surface-property support. |
| True-density measurement | Micromeritics 1305 Multi-Volume Pycnometer | True density of powders, porous materials, irregular solids, catalysts, ceramics, pigments, and pharmaceutical materials. |
| Disintegration testing | Testerion DT2 | Disintegration behavior of tablets and hard-gelatin capsules under standardized conditions. |
| Powder flow | Hall FlowMeter AS-300 | Powder flow-rate and apparent-density information for processing and formulation decisions. |
This example turns the legacy physico-chemical page's service list into a project-scoping table. Physicochemical testing is useful when identity, formulation performance, raw-material control, storage behavior, or development troubleshooting depends on properties rather than only chemical composition. The right test set depends on the attribute that must be controlled.
| Property or test family | Example decision supported |
|---|---|
| pH, pKa, logP/logD, solubility | Salt selection, formulation vehicle selection, dissolution risk, or partitioning behavior. |
| Melting point, DSC/TGA, crystallinity | Solid-state identity, stability risk, compatibility, or phase-transition interpretation. |
| Density, viscosity, flowability, wettability | Manufacturing processability, dispersion behavior, and powder or liquid handling. |
| Water content, hygroscopicity, KF, DVS | Hydrate risk, packaging, water-driven stability, and storage-condition decisions. |
| Optical rotation, elemental microanalysis, spectroscopy, MS, NMR, XRPD | Identity, purity, impurity profile, or orthogonal confirmation of a material attribute. |
These examples include technical resources, regulatory guidances, or literature relevant to the technique. Download buttons are placed at the bottom-left of each example.
Author: Melanie Bevill, Chris Seadeek, Nico Setiawan, Shawn Comella, Blaise Mibeck, and Steef Boerrigter
Publication date: November 2023
Abstract: This Triclinic application note links solid-form screening and selection to crystallinity, stability, solubility, hygroscopicity, manufacturability, regulatory needs, and IP objectives. It supports choosing analytical techniques based on the development decision rather than a fixed instrument list.
Author: International Council for Harmonisation / FDA
Publication date: 2024
Abstract: FDA notes that ICH Q2(R2) and Q14 describe validation and development principles for analytical procedures used to assess drug substance and drug product quality. These guidances frame FDA expectations for specificity, accuracy, precision, range, robustness, lifecycle management, and fit-for-purpose method evidence.
Author: International Council for Harmonisation
Publication date: 2022
Abstract: ICH Q3D(R2) provides the risk-management framework for assessing and controlling elemental impurities in drug products. It is the regulatory anchor for elemental-impurity testing, method selection, and justification of ICP-MS, XRF, or other elemental-analysis strategies.
Use this technique when its evidence better matches the sample, matrix, or development decision.
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Tell Triclinic what sample you have, what decision the data must support, what prior data are available, and whether cGMP, release, validation, or regulatory documentation is required.
