How do you stay on top of the NPS (new psychoactive substances) trends and prioritize what standards to make?

Cayman’s forensic team is constantly monitoring the forensic literature, online forums, and internet sites. We also interact with domestic and international forensic professionals at meetings and conferences. Many of our new products are the result of customer inquiries, such as when a substance doesn’t match anything in any spectral library (see below: "I have a substance that doesn’t match anything in any spectral library. Can you help?"). Please reach out to us at sales@caymanchem.com if you can’t find a standard that you need.

How can I easily sort through your catalog to search for metabolites?

You can use our search facets on the “Product Search & Drug Identification Tools” on our Forensic Science Products page to filter your search by category, type, grade, and Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) Schedule.

Do you sell your standards in bulk sizes?

Yes, most of our products can be prepared in gram quantities for use in testing labs or qualified academic institutions. You can request a quote by contacting sales@caymanchem.com.

Do you sell reference standards in solution?

Yes, we have Certified Reference Materials (CRMs) (which are typically in acetonitrile or methanol) and many "DEA exempt" solutions. Not all products offered as a solution are exempt from DEA regulations. You can filter through these options using our Product Search & Drug Identification Tools on our Forensic page. If you can't find what you are looking for please ask sales@caymanchem.com.

Do you offer exempt solutions?

Yes, we make every attempt to offer exempt preparations as soon as possible, but exempt preparations must be approved by the DEA, and the process requires several steps. When the DEA identifies a new controlled substance, Cayman must apply for the applicable drug code to be added to our DEA manufacturing registration. The DEA has up to 90 days to perform an audit of our application and once completed, DEA headquarters will review and post for an additional 60-day public comment period. Once the drug code is approved, Cayman can prepare an application for exempt preparations. Depending on the length and complexity of the application, the DEA review and approval process may range from 3 to 12 months to complete. Some exempt preparations will have “exempt preparation” in the item name, while others will have “CRM” in the name. It is important to note that not all CRM items are exempt preparations.

Are there advantages to using ¹³C-labeled internal standards over ²H-labeled (deuterated) standards in forensic analysis?

¹³C incorporated internal standards (IS) are used less frequently than deuterated IS because they are typically more costly or are not commercially available. ¹³C IS are, however, considered to be superior for many applications, which is why Cayman scientists are working toward making more of them available to the forensic community. An ideal internal standard is one that is structurally similar (if not identical) to the analyte of interest, is not prone to exchange/loss of the isotopic label, and preferably has the same retention time and response factor as the analyte of interest. This allows the analyst to have confidence in quantifying analytes of interest that need to be isolated from complex biological matrices and normalize other sample handling and instrumentation conditions. ¹³C IS have the same retention time and response factors as the native analyte, and they are incapable of isotopic scrambling.

My GC-MS doesn’t match what’s on your website. What might be going on?

There may be several factors that influence the GC-MS, such as sample preparation, concentration, and instrument parameters. Since laboratories handle materials differently, it is difficult to isolate specific issues without more information. Please contact our Technical Support staff at techserv@caymanchem.com with questions regarding GC-MS.

I have a substance that doesn’t match anything in any spectral library. Can you help?

GC-MS data can be found on our website via two methods:

1. If the compound name or item number is known, you can find it directly by searching our website. Select the appropriate compound to go to its webpage. If available, there will be a “Download GC-MS” button to download the spectrum. Certified Reference Materials (CRM) do not have this option available, but data will be provided on the certificate of analysis (CofA) available to download. A batch number is necessary to obtain CofAs. Please note that a login is required. If the requested data is not available, please contact techserv@caymanchem.com for further assistance.
   
2. If the compound name or item number is not known, another method to find GC-MS data is to use our GC-MS Drug Identificatiion Tool in the Product Search & Drug Identification Tools of our Forensic Science Products page. Results will populate given a formula weight, base peak ion, or second base peak ion. The formula weight search is by the free base. GC-MS spectra can be downloaded by clicking on the “View GC-MS” button. If your spectrum cannot be identified, please contact techserv@caymanchem.com for further assistance.
   

How long does a custom synthesis take? How much will it cost?

The length and cost of a custom synthesis can vary quite a lot depending on the structure of the compound of interest and complexity of the synthesis. The good news is that some standards can take as little as a few weeks to prepare and can even be offered at future catalog price so it’s always best to ask. Please contact sales@caymanchem.com for any custom inquiry requests.

How can I get a CofA?

In the footer of the website under “Tools & Resources,” select “Certificates of Analysis” and enter your Batch Number to download CofAs for RMs and CRMS. You will be prompted to log in or register. For analytical reference standards that are not ISO accredited, a standard CofA will be sent in an auto-generated email once you enter the batch number and log in. You may also use the batch number to request available product inserts, QC sheets, data packs, and GC-MS data. If the CofA is unavailable, please contact our Technical Support staff at techserv@caymanchem.com for assistance.

How do I get notified of expiry updates?

The Certificate of Analysis (CofA) is revised whenever there is an expiry update. Note that while an extension of our expiration date confirms the integrity of our stocks, it does not guarantee the quality of the material once it has left our facility. When the CofA update is completed, an automated message is emailed to the individual responsible for purchasing the material (which may or may not be the scientist requesting the material). Please see the FAQ above “How can I get a CofA?” for downloading instructions. If there is a question about the expiry date, please contact our Technical Support staff at techserv@caymanchem.com for assistance.

How can I get on your mailing list?

To subscribe during account registration, select Forensic Chemistry & Toxicology in the Interests section and opt in for “Let me know about new products and research in my field” in the Contact Preferences section. If you already have an account, you can ensure your Areas of Interest include Forensic Chemistry & Toxicology and opt in for “Notifications specific to you” on the Preferences page of your account. Be the first to know about new products, specials, and promotions by tailoring your contact preferences.

How do I request a copy of a wall poster or Cayman Currents issue?

When registering your account at www.caymanchem.com/register, you can select which wall posters you’d like to have delivered to your lab. You can also request items from our Literature site. The Cayman Literature site hosts links to request a physical copy and/or download our Wall Posters, Cayman Currents, Application Notes, Guides, Brochures, and Scientific Posters. Filter by the Forensic Science category to quickly find the item you want.

Can I order Cayman swag from the website?

Yes, our T-shirts and other swag can be viewed by clicking “Cayman Gear” in the footer of the website or by selecting Cayman Gear in the left rail Product Type menu on the search page. Scroll through the pages to find which items you’d like to add to your cart or filter your search by Research Area.