Sciencemadness Discussion Board

Prices of chemicals?

Aurum - 22-9-2006 at 01:49

I found a local supplier from whom I can order chemicals.

I got a quote and nearly fell of my seat.

Are these outrageous prices or am I really way of the mark.

100g NaNO<sub>2</sub> US$16
500g FeSO<sub>4</sub> US$63
25g Mg ribbon US$45
100g KI US$39

There's more but you get the idea.

Can anyone confirm my thoughts?
What would be a normal price for the above.

Thanks.

enhzflep - 22-9-2006 at 02:41

Sure, it's more than I'd be prepared to part with to obtain anything you've listed.

I guess it's much like anything else one buys. Per unit, things are generally more expensive the fewer the number of units - not only that, but you've (presumably) visited some kind of 'premium' source.

I mean, I can travel 40kms and buy a keg of beer for about $150. Or, I could travel 800m to the pub and buy a single glass for $5.

Similarly, when I needed some strong ammonia years ago I bought it at the local chemist. It was 500ml at a ridiculous price, but it was better than going elsewhere to buy it at a better unit price (although more money in total) - I found the bottle. It was $14.95!! However, the alternative was 20L at $7.50 a litre. - $150

My suggestion would be that you locate a number of source for that which you require, before assessing which souce is the better in each instance. If you only need 50gms, then why 'save' money by buying more than you anticipate you'll need?

evil_lurker - 22-9-2006 at 05:10

Those ARE ridiculous prices... even for ACS grade.

I'd say they are about 3x what the going rate on the net is.

But I will say this... having a local supplier that will sell you chemicals that normally only a company can buy = priceless.

woelen - 22-9-2006 at 08:32

These prices are REALLY bad.

I have the following:

500 g NANO2 : $7.50
500 g FeSO4: $25
25 g Mg-ribbon: $15
500 g KI: $60

But.... these are at online suppliers. Add $30 for shipping. But when quite some chems are purchased in one go, then you can have them for 1/3 of the price you mention. The chems I have, are photo-grade (whatever that may be), but they are really suitable for my experiments.

Aurum - 23-9-2006 at 15:36

Thanks everyone, guess I'll have to try to find a more reasonable supplier.

However, as stated, having the chemicals available is better than none at all.

Drunkguy - 25-9-2006 at 02:12

It's supply & demand. If the price is right the item will sell. If the market wont bare the price then the business will faulter.

bereal511 - 25-9-2006 at 16:05

Or if the government decides to place limits on the supply market...