Let us suppose that a creature in the UK were to order a variety of chemicals, let us say xylene, Hcl, and acetone from one of the mainstream suppliers easily found through a Google search - would said selection of chemicals ordered by a domestic private individual warrant an arousal of suspicion and consequent notification of the authorities?
Does anyone have any experience in these matters?
(for a short story one is writing)

Thanks,

K

I wouldn't do it, though it's perfectly legal.
Buy items individually, in person, with cash, and be prepared with an explanation.
Thinning concrete sealer, stripping rust from metal, and removing epoxy for instance.

My personal experience tells me that nothing will come of it inside the US, but i still caution against it.

I've ordered an entire chemistry set and relevant chemicals through the internet, at the same time, and i haven't had any suspicious cars packed in front of my house.

Thank you for the advice, duly noted.

K

I buy all my chemicals online and I live in the UK with no probs whatsoever.

Honestly, I don't think anyone in a position of authority a) knows what any of such chemicals could be used for b) gives half a shit about microscopic-scale peaceful, private production & consumption anyway. They're just not that on the ball.