A useful chemical quotation starts with an unambiguous product request. A product name alone may leave open questions about the positional isomer, salt, stereochemistry or acceptance criteria. This checklist helps you prepare an inquiry for a catalog material or an item on our stock list.
1. Identify the exact material
Send the chemical name and CAS number. Add a structure or SMILES when the identity is unusual or your project depends on a particular isomer. For example, methyl 3-formylbenzoate, CAS 52178-50-4, should not be requested simply as methyl formylbenzoate: the substitution position is part of the specification. A screenshot can help explain a request, but include searchable text as well.
2. Define what the purity requirement means
Include the required purity, the test method if specified, and any acceptance limits that matter to your project. State separately whether water, residual solvents, a named related component, or stereochemical purity needs review. Do not assume a single catalog purity percentage answers all these questions. If the method is still undecided, ask which analytical information is available rather than inventing a test requirement.
3. Separate immediate and potential demand
Give the quantity needed for the next order. If you are evaluating a sample before a larger purchase, list those quantities separately and describe the decision sequence. A potential future order helps with planning, but it is different from a confirmed purchase requirement.
4. Include delivery and packaging requirements
Provide the destination country, preferred pack size and target receipt date. Explain whether the date is a firm project deadline or a preference. Stock quantities are reviewed snapshots; confirm the current supply position and shipping arrangements in the quotation before relying on a delivery plan.
5. Request the documents you need to review
Say whether you need an available specification sheet, a reference COA, the COA for a proposed batch, an SDS or additional identity data. Document availability and additional testing should be confirmed for the specific request. Read our COA and specification guide if you are deciding which to request.
Copyable inquiry template
Product name and CAS: Structure / SMILES, if needed: Required purity and method: Additional acceptance limits: Immediate quantity: Possible follow-on quantity: Packaging preference: Delivery country and target date: Documents requested: Company / contact name: Reply email:
What happens next?
We review the requested identity, specifications and supply requirements, then confirm what can be quoted or which details need clarification. For a molecule outside the catalog, see our custom synthesis service. Send your inquiry when the information is ready; there is no need to have every optional field decided before starting a discussion.