Legal status of List I precursors - USA

[Jacco]

Hello,

My friend was inquiring about a legal question. On the DEA website, it seems to state that it is illegal to possess List I precursor chemicals with intent to manufacture. Does this mean that, hypothetically speaking, my friend could store or manufacture List I precursors for the purposes of scientific inquiry, not for manufacturing a controlled substance? Another reason my friend asks this is because he has heard of a nitroethane poisoning resulting from an obscure nail polish (named Remove.. it may no longer be on the market). Is it legal for the manufacturer of that nail polish to knowingly sell a solution containing a List I chemical?

Thank you in advance, legal whizzes. He'll be pleased to know your answer (he should also get internet access and stop freeloading off of me. )