FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q. How can you sell these compounds so much less than your competition?
A. Low overhead (but no, we don't outsource - everything is home grown). Also, the compounds are made in bulk, and we do not usually aliquot less than 2 mg.

Q. What is the stability of the isoprenoid pyrophosphates?
A. If stored at -20, decomposition is less than 1% a month. If you plan on storing them over 6 months, -70 is recommended. Breakdown is detected by the appearance of molybdenum blue staining material at the origin of silica TLC.

Q. How are the isoprenoid pyrophosphates packaged? Can I get them in a different medium?
A. Shipments within the US will be as 2 mg/ml in methanol/10 mM NH4OH (7/3), unless otherwise requested. Shipments outside the US will be as the dry solid.

Q. What is the largest size of one lot?
A. We can prepare lots up to 500 mg. If you need more that 500 mg of an XPP, we will be happy to prepare it, but it will come from more than one lot.

Q. Can I order less than 2 mg?
A. In order to maintain our low prices, we generally do not aliquot less than 2 mg. However, if you have a special need (like you're on a tight budget), contact us.

Q. What is the purity of the isoprenoid pyrophosphates, and how is it checked?
A. Purity is guaranteed >95%. Purity is always checked by thin layer chromatography on silica and cellulose. We occasionally perform HPLC. During the original characterization of the method of preparation, we used capillary electrophoresis and 31P NMR. See our publications.

Q. What is the preferred method of payment?
A. The website is set up for payment through PayPal. If you prefer to use a credit card, but do not have a PayPal account, let us know and we will provide instructions for using your credit card through PayPal. Purchase orders are also acceptable, as are direct wire transfers.

Q. What if I am not satisfied with the product I purchased?
A. We will give you a full refund.

Q. How are the products shipped?
A. Sold as 2 mg/ml solution in methanol/10 mM ammonium hydroxide (7/3) in the US or as the dried ammonium salt outside the US. Unless otherwise requested, samples will be shipped in a FedEx medium box with a Thermosafe polarpak in the following vials:

<10 mg amounts will be shipped in 3.5 ml amber Wheaton vials with Teflon lined screw caps. If you prefer Teflon lined septa and crimp seal closure, please request in your order.

>10 mg amounts will be shipped in amber Wheaton bottles with Teflon septa and crimp seal closure.

Q. What is the charge for shipping and handling?
A. Shipping within the USA and Canada is via Fed Ex Standard Overnight ($40-45). Delivery by Fed Ex Priority is an additional $5.

Q. Do you ship overseas?
A. Yes, provided the customer supplies us with the following: exact shipping and billing address, contact name and phone number, Purchase Order or Credit Card number, and detailed ordering information (including catalog number, size and quantity). For Fed Ex international, there is a $75 USD shipping charge. In addition the customer also pays for duties and taxes (e.g., VAT), which usually amount to around $130 USD.