Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around identifying affordable and high-quality chemical vendors in the US for university departments. Participants share their experiences and recommendations regarding various suppliers, focusing on pricing and quality of chemicals.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- One participant lists well-known vendors such as Sigma, Fisher, Acros, Brandnu, Spectrum, JTBaker, and GFS, seeking additional recommendations.
- Another participant suggests that the choice of vendor depends on specific needs, mentioning EMD as a source for alcohol and noting variability in quality and pricing among vendors.
- A third participant provides a list of vendors including VWR (which covers Merck, JT Baker, and EMD), Fisher (which also covers Acros), and Sigma Aldrich (which includes Fluka and Reidel de Haan), and mentions Anachemia for Canadian suppliers.
- Another participant recommends STREM chemicals for catalysts and ligands, highlighting their custom manufacturing capabilities, and also mentions Lancaster and Alfa Aesar as reliable sources.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants share various vendor recommendations, but there is no consensus on a single best vendor, indicating multiple competing views on the topic.
Contextual Notes
Participants express that the suitability of vendors may depend on specific chemical needs and the quality of products offered, but do not provide detailed criteria for evaluation.
Who May Find This Useful
This discussion may be useful for university departments, researchers, and professionals in need of chemical supplies, particularly those looking for cost-effective options and quality assurance.