Carboxamides

What are carboxamides?

Carboxamides are a group of organic compounds derived from carboxylic acids. Some low-molecular-weight carboxamides are widely used in industrial processes, particularly as solvents, process chemicals or intermediates in chemical synthesis.

GALAB’s analytical scope covers six carboxamides:

• Formamide
• N-Methylformamide (NMF)
• N,N-Dimethylformamide (DMF)
• Acetamide
• N-Methylacetamide (NMA)
• N,N-Dimethylacetamide (DMAc)

The properties and industrial applications of these substances vary. Formamide and methylated formamides, for example, are used in the manufacture of polymers, resins, pharmaceuticals and specialty chemicals. DMF is an important industrial solvent and is used, among other applications, in the production of polyurethanes, coatings, synthetic leather and fibres. DMAc is used, for example, in the production of synthetic fibres, polyimides, coatings and pharmaceutical products.

As these substances may be used during manufacturing, residues can remain in the finished material if they are not sufficiently removed during subsequent processing steps.

Why is testing for carboxamides important?

Several carboxamides are toxicologically relevant substances. Depending on the individual compound, potential health effects may include effects on the liver. Reproductive and developmental toxicity as well as irritation of the skin, eyes or respiratory tract may also be relevant.

Some carboxamides can also be readily absorbed through the skin. This is particularly important for products that come into direct or prolonged contact with the human body.

Analytical testing is therefore particularly useful for consumer products, hygiene products and textiles in which residues from solvents or manufacturing processes may remain.

Reliable determination of carboxamides can help to:

• assess the chemical safety of products and materials
• identify residues from manufacturing processes
• verify compliance with legal and customer-specific requirements
• monitor raw materials and production processes
• detect elevated concentrations at an early stage
• reduce risks to product safety and reputation

Regulatory requirements

Regulatory requirements for carboxamides vary depending on the individual substance, concentration, product and intended use.

Several members of this substance group are classified as hazardous substances due to their toxicological properties. Certain carboxamides are of particular regulatory relevance under the European REACH and CLP regulations. These include, among others, substances classified as toxic to reproduction or identified as Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs).

Reliable knowledge of potential residual concentrations is therefore particularly important for manufacturers, importers and distributors. In addition to statutory requirements, company specifications, Restricted Substance Lists or requirements imposed by retailers and brand owners may define further limits or guideline values for individual solvents.

Analytical testing can therefore contribute not only to compliance with regulatory requirements, but also form part of responsible quality management and help prevent avoidable product recalls or public controversy.

Which products can be tested for carboxamides?

Due to their use as solvents, process chemicals and intermediates, carboxamides may be relevant to a range of different product groups.

Potentially relevant product groups include, for example:

• Textiles and textile products
• Synthetic fibres and coated textiles
• Consumer products
• Hygiene products such as diapers
• Materials containing polymers, coatings or adhesives
• Other products with skin contact

The GALAB analytical method described here is available for consumer products, hygiene products and textiles.

Whether testing is appropriate in a specific case depends, among other factors, on the materials used, the manufacturing process and the intended use of the finished product.

How are carboxamides analysed?

GALAB determines carboxamides using a method based on DIN EN 17131-1:2026-02, which describes the gas chromatographic determination of certain residual solvents in textiles and textile products.

For the analysis, GALAB uses a highly sensitive GC-MS/MS system, combining gas chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry.

The method enables the simultaneous determination of the following six carboxamides:

• Formamide
• N-Methylformamide
• N,N-Dimethylformamide
• Acetamide
• N-Methylacetamide
• N,N-Dimethylacetamide

A limit of quantification of 0.5 mg/kg is achieved for all six analytes.

The low limit of quantification makes it possible to reliably detect even low residual concentrations and provides manufacturers with a precise basis for assessing their products and production processes.

Carboxamide analysis at GALAB

GALAB Laboratories supports manufacturers and producers of consumer goods in reliably assessing potential carboxamide residues in their products.

Our range of services includes:

• simultaneous determination of six carboxamides
• analytical method based on DIN EN 17131-1:2026-02
• highly sensitive GC-MS/MS analysis
• limit of quantification of 0.5 mg/kg for all six analytes
• testing of consumer products, hygiene products and textiles
• reliable quantification of potential carboxamide residues
• expert evaluation of analytical results
• support in assessing regulatory and customer-specific requirements

Sensitive analysis is particularly important for products that come into close contact with consumers’ skin or where solvents and process chemicals are used during manufacturing.

Regular testing enables companies to identify potential residues at an early stage, monitor production processes in a targeted manner and provide transparent documentation of chemical product safety.

Do you need support with carboxamide analysis?

If you would like to have a consumer product, hygiene product or textile tested for carboxamides, our experts can support you in selecting the appropriate analytical approach, submitting samples and professionally interpreting the results.

Please feel free to contact us.