How to Qualify a New DNQ Supplier: The COA/MSDS/TDS Checklist
Qualify any DNQ supplier with this COA, MSDS and TDS checklist — assay, moisture, batch docs, trial quantities. What Orion provides per shipment.
Switching DNQ suppliers — or adding a second source — is a qualification exercise, not a catalogue purchase. Diazonaphthoquinone actives behave differently batch to batch when assay, moisture, or esterification consistency drifts. A weak supplier qualification lets that drift reach your coating line or photoresist fab before you catch it.
This checklist is supplier-agnostic. Use it to evaluate any DNQ supplier, whether you source sodium salt, one-pack ester, DNQ-THBP PAC, or ready CtCP coating. At the end, we note what Orion provides per batch — without implying Orion satisfies every item via third-party certification.
Phase 1: Documentation review (before first sample)
Request these documents before placing a trial order:
Orion provides: COA per batch, MSDS/TDS available per grade on request, export documentation with international shipments.
| Document | What to verify | Red flags |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate of Analysis (COA) | Issued per batch (not per product line generically); lists assay, moisture, appearance, batch number, date | Generic COA with no batch number; assay not stated |
| MSDS / Safety Data Sheet | Matches the exact grade and CAS number you are buying; hazard statements present | MSDS for a different CAS or generic "DNQ" without grade specificity |
| TDS / Technical Data Sheet | Spectral sensitivity, coat weight, blend ratios, storage conditions stated for your application | No application-specific parameters; copy-paste from unrelated grade |
| Export paperwork (if importing) | Commercial invoice, packing list, COA attached to shipment | Missing or incomplete documentation at customs |
Phase 2: Specification verification
Match supplier specs against your incoming material standard:
For DNQ sodium salt (CAS 64173-96-2)
- [ ] Assay: 98.0% minimum (or your internal spec)
- [ ] Moisture: 2.5% maximum (or your internal spec)
- [ ] Appearance: yellow powder, water-soluble
- [ ] Molecular weight: 272.21 g/mol confirmed on TDS
- [ ] CAS number matches: 64173-96-2
For DNQ-cresol ester one-pack (CAS 3770-97-6)
- [ ] Spectral sensitivity stated: 365–405 nm for UV CtCP
- [ ] Coat weight guidance: 1.7–1.8 g/m²
- [ ] Supply form matches your coater: dry powder, 30%, 12%, or RTU solution
- [ ] CAS number matches: 3770-97-6
For DNQ-THBP PAC grades
- [ ] Form confirmed: powder, ready liquid, or matched novolak
- [ ] Blend ratio stated: 3.0–3.5 parts novolak to 1 part PAC
- [ ] Exposure wavelength: g-line (436 nm) and/or i-line (365 nm)
- [ ] Method-of-use guidance available for spin coating and development
For developer-free CtCP coating
- [ ] Sensitivity: 360–375 nm
- [ ] Coat weight: 1.7–1.8 g/m² on anodised aluminium
- [ ] Working mode: negative-working, water development
- [ ] Method-of-use PDF with full process parameters
Phase 3: Trial batch evaluation
Order a trial quantity (Orion MOQ: 10 kg) and run these checks on receipt:
- COA vs material received — Compare stated assay and moisture against your own incoming test if you have one
- Appearance and colour — Yellow powder or solution colour consistent with specification; no visible contamination
- Dissolution test — Salt dissolves cleanly in water; ester dissolves in your solvent blend without gel particles
- Coating trial — Coat a test panel at target weight; check for tack, pinholes, and coat-weight uniformity
- Exposure and development — Image and develop per method-of-use; evaluate resolution, background, and dot reproduction
- Batch-to-batch repeat — If possible, request a second batch COA before committing to production volumes
Phase 4: Supply chain and commercial checks
Orion specifics: Manufacturing at Survey No. 67/2, Banawadi, Karad 415124, Maharashtra, India. MOQ 10 kg to full container load. Supply to India and export worldwide. Contact sales@orionppp.com or WhatsApp for lead times.
| Item | Questions to ask any supplier |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing location | Where is the material produced? Can you visit or receive audit documentation? |
| MOQ and lead time | Minimum order, pack sizes, typical lead time to your destination |
| Export capability | Experience shipping DNQ chemicals to your country; export documentation provided |
| Storage guidance | Recommended storage conditions; shelf-life data for your climate |
| Technical support | Method-of-use guidance, coating troubleshooting, responsive sales contact |
| Second-source readiness | Can the supplier scale from trial to production volumes without spec change? |
Phase 5: Regulatory and compliance questions
Procurement teams importing DNQ chemicals should also ask:
- What CAS numbers are registered on the COA and MSDS?
- What hazard classification appears on the MSDS for this specific grade?
- What export documentation accompanies the shipment?
- [For EU buyers] What is the supplier's REACH registration status for this substance? *(Ask any supplier — do not assume registration status without documentation.)*
Orion provides COA, MSDS, TDS, and export paperwork per batch. For REACH-specific buyer questions, see REACH and DNQ Chemicals. For export documentation detail, see Exporting DNQ Chemicals From India.
What Orion provides — stated factually
This table states what Orion provides — not certifications held. Items such as REACH registration, ISO accreditation, or third-party GHS certification are separate questions to ask any supplier and verify with documentation.
| Item | Orion status |
|---|---|
| COA per batch | Provided |
| MSDS per grade | Available on request / product page |
| TDS per grade | Available on request / product page |
| Export documentation | Provided with international shipments |
| 98% min assay (active grades) | Stated on COA |
| Manufacturing location | Banawadi, Karad, Maharashtra, India |
| MOQ | 10 kg minimum |
| Trial quantities | Available for evaluation |
Common questions.
What documentation should I request from a new DNQ supplier?
Request a certificate of analysis (COA) per batch, material safety data sheet (MSDS) for the specific grade and CAS number, technical data sheet (TDS) with application parameters, and export documentation if importing. Review all four before placing a trial order.
What assay level should I expect for DNQ actives?
Orion holds DNQ active grades to a minimum 98% assay, stated on the batch COA. Your internal specification may differ — confirm the supplier's stated assay against your incoming material standard before qualification.
How much material do I need for a DNQ supplier trial?
Orion's minimum order quantity is 10 kg, which is sufficient for coating trials and dissolution testing on most lines. Sample quantities for evaluation may be available — contact sales@orionppp.com to discuss your trial requirements.
Can I use this checklist for non-Orion suppliers?
Yes. This checklist is supplier-agnostic. Every item applies to qualifying any DNQ supplier regardless of country of origin. Adapt the specification section to the grade and CAS number you are sourcing.