Fenarimol Standard: Properties, Uses & Analytical Applications

Fenarimol Standard is a high-purity certified reference material used to accurately quantify fenarimol fungicide residues in food, environmental, and agricultural matrices by chromatographic methods.

SKU

F128255

Common Name

Fenarimol

Chemical Class

Pyrimidine fungicide (sterol biosynthesis inhibitor)

CAS Number

60168-88-9

Molecular Formula

C₁₇H₁₂ClN₂·Cl (as 2,4-dichloro derivative: C₁₇H₁₂Cl₂N₂O)

Primary Use

Pesticide residue reference standard for GC, HPLC, and LC-MS/MS

Storage Condition

Store in a cool, dry place away from light; follow label instructions

What Is Fenarimol?

Fenarimol (CAS 60168-88-9) is a broad-spectrum systemic fungicide belonging to the pyrimidine class of sterol biosynthesis inhibitors (SBIs). It acts by inhibiting the enzyme 14α-demethylase in the ergosterol biosynthesis pathway of fungal cells, thereby disrupting membrane integrity and preventing fungal growth. Fenarimol has been used in agriculture to control powdery mildew, scab, and other fungal diseases on fruit crops, ornamental plants, and turf.

Because fenarimol may persist as a residue in treated commodities, regulatory agencies including the US EPA, EFSA, and Codex Alimentarius have established maximum residue limits (MRLs) for it in various food matrices. Accurate analytical quantification of fenarimol residues therefore requires a well-characterized reference standard of verified purity.

Analytical Applications of Fenarimol Standard

The Fenarimol Standard (SKU F128255) from Aladdin Scientific is intended for use as a reference material in quantitative residue analysis across a range of analytical platforms:

• Gas Chromatography (GC): Fenarimol is amenable to GC analysis with electron-capture detection (ECD) or GC-MS, which are standard techniques in multi-residue pesticide screening methods for fruits and vegetables.
• High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC): Reverse-phase HPLC with UV or diode-array detection (DAD) can be used for fenarimol quantification using this standard for calibration curve preparation.
• LC-MS/MS: Liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry provides the highest sensitivity and selectivity for fenarimol residue confirmation and quantification in complex matrices, and the standard is suitable for preparing spiking solutions and calibrators.
• Method Validation: The standard is used to determine parameters such as linearity, recovery, limit of detection (LOD), and limit of quantification (LOQ) during method development and validation in accordance with SANTE/11312/2021 or equivalent guidelines.

Preparation and Handling of Stock Solutions

Proper preparation of stock and working standard solutions is essential to ensure accurate and reproducible analytical results. The following general guidance applies to Fenarimol Standard (F128255):

1. Solvent selection: Fenarimol is generally soluble in common organic solvents such as acetonitrile, methanol, acetone, and ethyl acetate. The choice of solvent should be compatible with the downstream analytical method. Acetonitrile is widely used for LC-MS/MS applications.
2. Concentration of stock solution: A stock solution is typically prepared at 100–1000 µg/mL. Weigh the standard accurately on a calibrated analytical balance and dissolve in the appropriate solvent. Record the exact mass used to calculate the precise concentration.
3. Dilution series: Prepare working standards by serial dilution of the stock solution in the same solvent or a matrix-matched solvent to cover the expected concentration range and bracketing the MRL of interest.
4. Storage of solutions: Store prepared stock solutions in amber glass vials at –20 °C or as directed on the product label. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Check stability periodically against freshly prepared solutions.
5. Handling precautions: Work in a well-ventilated fume hood. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) including gloves, lab coat, and eye protection. Consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before use.

Regulatory Context and Maximum Residue Limits

Fenarimol is subject to regulatory oversight in many jurisdictions due to its classification as a pesticide active substance. Key regulatory points relevant to laboratories performing residue testing include:

• EU status: Fenarimol's approval under EU pesticide regulations has been reviewed; laboratories in the EU and those exporting to the EU must be aware of current MRL values published in Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 and its amendments.
• US EPA: The US EPA has established tolerances for fenarimol residues in specific commodities under 40 CFR Part 180.
• Codex Alimentarius: Codex MRLs for fenarimol exist for certain commodities and serve as the international reference for trade purposes.
• Laboratory accreditation: Residue testing laboratories are typically required to use certified or well-characterized reference standards as part of ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation requirements and proficiency testing programs.

Researchers and laboratory managers should verify the current MRL values with the relevant regulatory authority, as these are subject to periodic revision.

Quality, Purity, and Traceability

For reference standards used in regulatory compliance testing and method validation, purity and traceability are paramount. When evaluating Fenarimol Standard (F128255), consider the following quality attributes:

• Purity certification: Reference-grade standards are typically accompanied by a certificate of analysis (CoA) specifying the purity (commonly ≥98% or higher), lot number, and expiry date. Users should retain the CoA for audit purposes.
• Traceability: Where required by accreditation standards, the standard should be traceable to a national or international measurement standard (e.g., NIST-traceable). Users should confirm the traceability chain documented in the CoA.
• Lot-to-lot consistency: When replacing a standard lot, verify that the new lot meets the same purity specification and update calibration records accordingly.
• Expiry and re-certification: Do not use standards beyond their stated expiry date. Re-certify or replace standards as required by laboratory SOPs and accreditation body guidance.

Contact Aladdin Scientific customer service or consult the product page for SKU F128255 for the most current CoA, purity data, and availability.

Frequently asked questions

What solvents are suitable for dissolving Fenarimol Standard?

Fenarimol is generally soluble in polar organic solvents including acetonitrile, methanol, acetone, and ethyl acetate. Acetonitrile is the most commonly used solvent for LC-MS/MS applications. Avoid aqueous-only systems as solubility in pure water is low.

How should Fenarimol Standard solutions be stored to maintain stability?

Prepared stock solutions should be stored in amber glass vials at –20 °C, protected from light and moisture. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, which can degrade the compound over time. Always check stability against freshly prepared solutions and adhere to the expiry date on the certificate of analysis.

Is Fenarimol Standard suitable for use in method validation studies?

Yes, Fenarimol Standard (F128255) is suitable for method validation studies including determination of linearity, recovery, LOD, and LOQ in accordance with guidelines such as SANTE/11312/2021. Users should confirm the purity and traceability information on the certificate of analysis to ensure compliance with their laboratory accreditation requirements.

What safety precautions should be taken when handling Fenarimol Standard?

Handle Fenarimol Standard in a well-ventilated fume hood wearing appropriate PPE including chemical-resistant gloves, a lab coat, and safety goggles. Consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) provided with the product before use. Dispose of waste in accordance with local regulations governing hazardous chemical waste.

Can Fenarimol Standard be used for both GC and LC-based methods?

Yes. Fenarimol is amenable to both GC-based methods (e.g., GC-ECD, GC-MS) and LC-based methods (e.g., HPLC-DAD, LC-MS/MS). The Fenarimol Standard (F128255) can be used to prepare calibration standards and spiking solutions for either platform, provided the solvent system is appropriate for the chosen analytical method.

References

1. European Commission. Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council on maximum residue levels of pesticides in or on food and feed of plant and animal origin. Official Journal of the European Union.
2. European Commission. SANTE/11312/2021 – Analytical Quality Control and Method Validation Procedures for Pesticide Residues Analysis in Food and Feed. DG SANTE.
3. US Environmental Protection Agency. 40 CFR Part 180 – Tolerances and Exemptions for Pesticide Chemical Residues in Food.
4. FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius Commission. Pesticide residues in food: Maximum Residue Limits for Fenarimol. Codex Alimentarius.
5. ISO/IEC 17025:2017. General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories. International Organization for Standardization.

Products are supplied for research and development use only. Not for use in humans, animals, diagnosis, or therapy.