Discovery^CPR FAQ

I am currently using another supplier for my reagents – why should I use Sigma-Aldrich instead?

• Since Sigma-Aldrich is a global supplier and manufacturer, we can deliver these reagents to you more efficiently than other distributors. Discovery^CPR offers the advantage of filling reagents in custom sizes. Using this option provides a cost benefit as well, you only pay for the amount you need.

How many reagents are available?

• We have direct access to the Sigma-Aldrich catalog containing over 80,000 items as well as another 130,000 items available through the Sigma-Aldrich Rare Chemical Library. Add our reagent outsourcing service and you have a virtually unlimited array of reagents at you disposal.

Can we put together a set of reagents that include resins, catalysts, and solvents?

• Yes! Besides packaging individual reagents, we can package a set according to your specifications. You specify the reagents you want and how you want them packaged. We can package in millimole or milligram or gram aliquots.

Do you supply material from other vendors?

• Absolutely. If you have a structure (as an SDFile or SMILES String), Cas or MFCD number, we will source available materials for you and prepare them as if they were Sigma-Aldrich products. This allows you the greatest flexibility in reagent selection, gives you the ability to order small quantities from any vendor (even below their smallest pack size), and provides an easy way to consolidate your orders and streamline your workflow.

I am looking for a building block and cannot find it anywhere – can Sigma-Aldrich help?

• Yes. We will search our catalog and our Rare Chemical Library for the structure you have in mind. If we don’t find it in either place, we will search a wide selection of other vendors. If we still can’t find the product, we may be able to offer custom synthesis of the structure you’re looking for. If the building block has potential as a catalog item, we will provide it at a catalog price. We can work with you if confidentiality is important.

It is important that we get the reagents we need at a fair price – is Sigma-Aldrich competitive?

• Yes. Because we custom package, you only pay for the amount you need. This can save money as well as time and space. You do not have to worry about properly storing the products or wondering how old a bottle on your shelf is or whether it’s still good. You don’t need to take the time to weigh the amount you need, we’ve already weighed it to your specifications. We relieve you of the burden of purchasing and storing the products. This also saves you the cost of discarding any waste.

How can I start using DiscoveryCPR?

• Visit our website at www.discoverycpr.com and register as a new user. You will then receive password to log on to DiscoveryCPR, and you’re ready to get started. You can also contact us at DiscoveryCPR@sial.com.

How do I place and track an order?

• The first step is to register on the DiscoveryCPR web-based interface. Go to our home page, www.discoverycpr.com. You can then enter a list of compounds and the amount you require. If the compounds are in stock, a quote will immediately generate for you to view and accept. If they are not in stock, you may submit your list for us to source and quote within one or two days.

Can we specify the packaging of the compounds?

• You can specify the package (vial type, plate type), label contents (molecular weight, internal reference number, bar-codes and more), and the quantity of the reagent (as low as 1mg). We offer a wide range of vial and cap styles at no additional cost. We can also fill in your supplied packaging (at no extra charge) or in specified packaging than we can purchase for you for an additional charge.

Does a search list multiple sources if they exist, comparing price and delivery time?

• For the sake of efficiency, we will source multiple sources if they are available and choose the best option based on your stated preferences, including delivery time and price.

Can I save my personal preferences?

• Yes. Our web page offers profile preferences. Once this is filled out, these preferences will be saved and used as your packaging preferences every time you place an order. The preferences include vial size, label data and any special instructions. If you are placing an order for which you want to use a different packaging configuration than you have set up in your profile, you can make one-time changes the packaging configuration section of the web order form for each individual order.

How can we search for entire product classes?

• If you have a list of compounds, as an SDFile, you can export the list directly into DiscoveryCPR’s search function. You may also send your list to DiscoveryCPR@sial.com.

Once we order third-party products, will they be kept in stock?

• Yes. If a third-party product is outsourced for you, it will be added to the database and maintained in our reagent inventory. It will then be found in future search results as a “matched” result with a shorter lead time to reflect its “in stock” status.

Can we simply cut and paste lists from the windows clipboard, or load an Excel file directly?

• You can paste entire lists of CAS numbers, MFCD numbers or SMILES strings directly in the DiscoveryCPR search function. Excel files can be sent via e-mail to DiscoveryCPR@sial.com.

How is inventory handled and quality maintained?

• Our skilled weighers use proper handling techniques. Our inventory is frequently replenished; therefore the chance of a compound sitting on the shelf for an extended period of time is minimal, which decreases the chance of contamination or degradation. We only purchase our third party products from highly reputable catalog suppliers who retain quality records on their products.

Feel free to contact us with any other questions at DiscoveryCPR@sial.com.