Independent guide. researchchemicals.blog is not affiliated with Sigma-Aldrich, Merck KGaA or MilliporeSigma.
Sigma-Aldrich is one of the most recognised names in laboratory chemicals. But search for it and you will also meet MilliporeSigma, Merck and Millipore, and plenty of people simply type “sigma alderich” or “sigma aldroch”. This guide explains how the names fit together, what the company sells and how labs buy from it.
A short history
Sigma-Aldrich was formed by the merger of two US chemical companies, Sigma, known for biochemicals, and Aldrich, known for organic synthesis chemicals. The combined company grew into one of the largest suppliers of research chemicals in the world, headquartered in St. Louis.
In 2015, the German science and technology company Merck KGaA, based in Darmstadt, completed its acquisition of Sigma-Aldrich. Merck had already bought Millipore, the filtration and purification specialist, a few years earlier. Sigma-Aldrich and Millipore became part of Merck’s Life Science business.
Why “MilliporeSigma”?
In the United States and Canada, the name “Merck” belongs to a different company, Merck & Co. (known as MSD outside North America). So in those two countries, Merck KGaA’s Life Science business trades as MilliporeSigma. Everywhere else, including the UK and Europe, it uses the Merck name, with Sigma-Aldrich continuing as a product brand.
What Sigma-Aldrich sells
- Chemicals for synthesis: reagents, building blocks, catalysts and solvents in many grades.
- Analytical products: reference standards, chromatography columns and consumables, largely under the Supelco brand.
- Life science reagents: biochemicals, antibodies, cell culture media and molecular biology kits.
- Filtration and lab water: Millipore membranes, filters and water purification systems.
- Documentation: Safety Data Sheets and lot-specific certificates of analysis online.
How labs buy from Sigma-Aldrich
- Open an institutional or business account; many universities and companies buy through procurement platforms.
- Search by catalogue number or CAS number to get the exact grade, form and pack size.
- Download the SDS and CoA before first use.
- Expect extra checks for restricted products such as drug precursors and explosives precursors.
Strengths and watch-outs
| Strengths | Watch-outs |
|---|---|
| Very broad catalogue, widely cited in papers | List prices can be high without negotiated discounts |
| Extensive technical documentation | Lead times vary for items shipped from other regions |
| Many purity grades and pack sizes | Easy to order an over-specified grade |
Alternatives
The main broad-line competitors are Fisher Scientific (Thermo Fisher) and VWR (Avantor), alongside many specialists. For France, see our French guide Sigma-Aldrich Chimie, and for choosing grades, reagent chemical grades.
Frequently asked questions
Is Sigma-Aldrich owned by Merck?
Yes, by Merck KGaA of Darmstadt, Germany, since 2015.
Is MilliporeSigma the same as Sigma-Aldrich?
MilliporeSigma is the name of Merck KGaA’s Life Science business in the USA and Canada; Sigma-Aldrich is one of its product brands.
Is Merck KGaA the same as Merck & Co.?
No. They are separate companies. Merck & Co. is a US pharmaceutical company known as MSD outside North America.
