USP Grade refers to chemicals and ingredients that comply with the quality, purity, strength, and consistency standards set by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP). These materials are approved for use in pharmaceuticals, dietary supplements, and some food and personal care products, depending on the specific application and regulatory guidelines.
USP Grade materials are tested rigorously and meet or exceed the specifications required for:
Active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and excipients in drug manufacturing
Nutraceuticals and dietary supplements – including tablets, capsules, and powders
Medical formulations – such as intravenous (IV) solutions, eye drops, and topical ointments
Personal care – in select cosmetics and hygiene products like toothpaste or mouthwash
Food and beverage industry – when permitted, for additives and processing aids
Acetaldehyde
- Chemical Structure: Acetaldehyde consists of two carbon atoms, one oxygen atom, and four hydrogen atoms. Its structure is CH3CHO, where the carbon atom in the middle is doubly bonded to an oxygen atom and singly bonded to a hydrogen atom and a methyl group (CH3).
- Occurrence: Acetaldehyde can be found naturally in various ripe fruits, coffee, and heated milk. It is also produced by the oxidation of ethanol (alcohol) by enzymes in the liver and other tissues in humans, making it an intermediate product in alcohol metabolism.
