Shipping chemicals across borders involves more than putting them in a box. This guide explains how compliant international chemical shipping works — packaging, documentation and what affects lead times. Compliant, hazard-appropriate packaging Many chemicals are classified as dangerous goods for transport. They must be packed in approved, hazard-appropriate packaging, correctly labelled and declared according to […]
Monthly Archives: May 2026
Proper chemical storage protects people, property and the chemicals themselves. This practical guide covers the essentials of storing chemicals safely in the lab or workplace. 1. Separate incompatible chemicals Never store incompatible chemicals together. Keep acids away from bases, oxidisers away from flammables and reducing agents, and water-reactive substances away from moisture. Use the SDS […]
When you buy chemicals, two documents matter most: the Certificate of Analysis (COA) and the Safety Data Sheet (SDS). This guide explains what each one is, what it contains, and why you should always have them. Certificate of Analysis (COA) A COA confirms that a specific batch of a product meets its stated specifications. It […]
If you buy chemicals in or from the EU, you will come across the term “REACH”. This guide explains what REACH compliance means, why it matters for buyers, and what to expect from a compliant supplier. What is REACH? REACH (Regulation EC No 1907/2006) is the European Union’s framework for the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and […]
Beyond chemicals, a well-equipped laboratory needs reliable hardware. This guide covers three essential pieces of lab equipment — rotary evaporators, magnetic stirrers and chemical reactors — and what to look for. Rotary evaporators A rotary evaporator (“rotovap”) gently removes solvents from samples under reduced pressure by rotating the flask in a heated bath. Essential for […]
Pharmaceutical intermediates are the chemical building blocks used in the multi-step synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). This guide explains what they are, why quality matters, and how to source them responsibly. What are pharmaceutical intermediates? An intermediate is a compound produced partway through the synthesis of a finished API. They range from simple building […]
Every laboratory relies on a core set of reagents and inorganic chemicals. This guide introduces some of the most common laboratory reagents and what they are used for. Essential laboratory reagents Sodium hydroxide — a strong base for pH adjustment, titration and synthesis. Hydrogen peroxide — a versatile oxidiser for cleaning, disinfection and reactions. Silver […]
Acids are among the most heavily used chemicals in industry — essential for processing, manufacturing and treatment. This guide covers the main industrial acids, their applications and how to handle them safely. The major industrial acids Hydrochloric acid — metal pickling and cleaning, pH control, and chemical synthesis. Sulfuric acid — the most-produced industrial chemical; […]
Solvents are the workhorses of chemistry — and choosing the right one can be the difference between a clean, efficient process and a failed one. This guide walks through the key properties to weigh when selecting a solvent for extraction, synthesis or cleaning. Key properties to consider Polarity — “like dissolves like”: polar solvents dissolve […]
Sodium hydroxide (NaOH), also known as caustic soda or lye, is one of the most important industrial chemicals — a strong alkali used everywhere from manufacturing to water treatment. This guide covers its properties, grades and main applications. What is sodium hydroxide? Sodium hydroxide is a white solid alkali (supplied as beads, flakes or pearls) […]
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