How the water in a lyophilised cake is measured

Published 24 October 2026 · REVIVE LAB UAE Research Desk · 5 min read
Karl Fischer titration measures water by a reaction that consumes exactly one molecule of iodine per molecule of water; the amount of iodine consumed gives the water content directly. It is specific to water, works on milligram samples, and is the standard method for residual moisture in lyophilised solids. The result, as a percentage, is subtracted from gross mass in calculating net peptide content.

The chemistry

In the presence of sulfur dioxide and a base, iodine reacts with water in a defined stoichiometry. The titration adds iodine until water is exhausted, and the endpoint is detected electrochemically. Because the reaction is specific, other volatile components do not register as water.

Coulometric variants generate iodine electrically and suit very small water amounts.

Why it matters for a hygroscopic peptide

A lyophilised peptide salt takes up moisture from air, so water content varies with handling and climate. Measuring it at release fixes the figure for the lot. For a small molecule like GHK-Cu, a few per cent water is a meaningful share of gross mass.

The figure is not stable after opening, which is why it is a release measurement.

On the certificate

Reported as a percentage by mass and used, with counterion content, to state how much of the vial is peptide complex. Lot documentation for GHK-Cu includes it on request.

GHK-Cu is supplied by REVIVE LAB UAE for laboratory research use only, with identity by mass spectrometry and purity by HPLC for the batch. It is not for human or veterinary use, and no dosing, administration or protocol guidance is provided.

What it costs

FormatStrengthPriceAvailability
GHK-Cu Pack50 mgAED 425In stock

Delivery is AED 40 flat and free on orders over AED 700. Payment is cash on delivery anywhere in the UAE, or USDT (TRC20) in advance, which takes 5% off the order total.

Frequently asked

The chemistry?

In the presence of sulfur dioxide and a base, iodine reacts with water in a defined stoichiometry. The titration adds iodine until water is exhausted, and the endpoint is detected electrochemically. Because the reaction is specific, other volatile components do not register as water.

Does REVIVE LAB UAE provide dosing guidance?

No. REVIVE LAB UAE supplies research materials and provides no dosing, administration or protocol guidance of any kind. Every product is sold for laboratory research use only and is not for human or veterinary consumption.

How fast is delivery in the UAE?

Stock is held in Dubai. An order confirmed before 4 PM Dubai time is dispatched the same working day, reaching Dubai and Abu Dhabi the same day and the remaining emirates within 24 hours. Delivery is AED 40 flat and free over AED 700.

GHK-Cu Pack — in stock, dispatched from Dubai
HPLC-verified, lot certificate on every carton, 24-hour delivery nationwide. Browse the catalogue → All peptides UAE

Related reading

Supplied for laboratory research use only. Not for human or veterinary consumption. REVIVE LAB UAE provides no dosing, administration or protocol guidance.