Chemistry Research Guide
Periodical databases, such as the ones below, allow you to search for journal articles on your topic. (See Techniques for Keyword Searching) For the science disciplines, the bulk of your research will be found in the journal literature. While you may find some full-text articles within these databases, the majority of the references you find will include only the citation and abstract.
Chemical Abstracts via Scifinder Scholar interface
CA is a premier database in chemistry with comprehensive coverage of chemistry
as defined very broadly. Also reaches into physics, biology, geology, and medicine.
Find references from over 8,000 journals as well as patents and conference proceedings
from 1907-present. Structure and substructure searchable. The Scifinder Scholar
software can be loaded on any computer, but BYU has a limit of five simultaneous
users that can connect to CA. Not available from off-campus.
CrossFire Beilstein
A fantastic and fun database for locating information on organic compounds.
An electronic version of the renowned Beilstein Handbook for Organic Chemistry,
this database is a great place to go for organic chemists. Provides reaction
and structure searching as well as factual data searching. Organized by compound
and provides references to the primary literature. Requires the CrossFire client
software. Not available from off-campus.
Science Citation Index via
Web of Science interface
Available in library; remote access requires login.
The premier database to get citation information, not only the references of
a given paper, but who has cited THAT paper later in time. Also, a good &
broad scientific database in itself, containing 17 million records from 5700
different journals from 1987-present. .
Applied Science & Technology Abstracts
Available in library; remote access requires login.
A great place to start looking for journal articles on a topic. Almost all journals
indexed here will be held by the Lee Library. Not very comprehensive, covering
only a few hundred journals from 1983 – present.
General Science Abstracts
Available in library; remote access requires login.
A great place to start looking for journal articles on a topic. Almost all journals
indexed here will be held by the Lee Library. Not very comprehensive, covering
only a few hundred journals from 1983 – present.
Biological & Agricultural Index
Available in library; remote access requires login
A great place to start looking for journal articles on a topic. Almost all journals
indexed here will be held by the Lee Library. Not very comprehensive, covering
only a few hundred journals from 1983 – present.
Biological
Abstracts/BIOSIS Previews
Available in library; remote access requires login - Print: Sci Ref QH 301 .B37
(1927 - 1994)
An excellent place to go for research relating to biology and its sub-disciplines.
Find references from over 9,000 journals in the life sciences and biomedicine.
BIOSIS is the online version and the Lee Library subscription covers 1989 to
present. Print indexes (Biological Abstracts) start in 1927.
INSPEC
1969+ Indexes and abstracts scientific and technical journals and conference
proceedings in physics, electrical engineering, and computer science. Available
through librarian-mediated searching. Updated weekly. Please contact Willie
Baer (422-6011, 2321 HBLL, william_baer@byu.edu) or Randy Ward (422-9066, 2320
HBLL, randy_ward@byu.edu).
Medline
Available in library; remote access requires login
A primary resource for the broad field of biomedicine. Find articles on clinical
medicine, nutrition, and life sciences. Indexes approximately 4,300 journals
from 1966 to the present. 80 of the indexed titles have the full text available
within the database. A wonderful resource. Also available as
PubMed via the web.
Compendex
Available in library; remote access requires login
The place to go to get access to engineering and technology literature. Indexes
over 5,000 periodicals and conference reports covering all aspects of engineering.
Includes references and abstracts from 1970 - present. You may search by keyword,
subject, author or serial title and apply limits such as publication year, discipline
(e.g. chemical engineering), or document type (e.g. conference papers).
CASSI
Librarian Assisted Research Service -
Print: Sci Ref QD 1 .A512x
Not an indexing or abstracting database, but a tool to use in conjunction with
them. Provides full bibliographic information of journal titles indexed by Chemical
Abstracts. Information included: abbreviation, starting and ending dates of
publication, title changes, publisher, subscription details, language, etc.
Search by journal title, abbreviation, ISSN, or CODEN.
Chemical Abstracts Key/Core
Journals
A web page provided by Chemical Abstracts Service that provides a list of the
key/core journals indexed by Chemical Abstracts. The list is alphabetical by
abbreviation and gives the corresponding full journal title. This is not a full
list of publications indexed by Chemical Abstracts!
Librarian Assisted Research Service – feel free to contact Randy Ward, 422-9066, randy_ward@byu.edu if you need any help searching.
General
Combined Chemical Dictionary
Available in library; remote access requires login.
Excellent online collection which includes the Dictionary of Organic Compounds,
Dictionary of Natural Products, Dictionary of Inorganic and Organometallic Compounds,
Dictionary of Pharmacological Agents, and the Dictionary of Analytical Reagents.
Lots of information on known compounds.
Kirk-Othmer's Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology
Sci Ref TP 9 .E685 (Science Reference Index Table)
Often referred to as simply “Kirk-Othmer” this comprehensive encyclopedia is
now in its fourth edition with 25 volumes and a supplement. Use the Index volume
to locate articles on your topic. A great place to start any research relating
to chemistry or chemical engineering and technology; it also includes a sometimes
lengthy list of references after each article.
McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of Chemistry
Sci Ref QD 5 .M36 1993
A wonderful one volume encyclopedia covering all fields of chemistry. The articles
are written in an easy to understand fashion, but give enough depth to explore
the topic fully. Bibliographies are given for further research as well as numerous
cross-references to related articles.
Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry
Sci Ref TP 9 .U57
Comprehensive set of volumes on a wide variety of topics relating to industrial
chemistry – including biotechnology, pharmacology, and economics. Organized
into two series -- 28 “A” volumes contain alphabetically arranged articles on
chemicals, applications, and processes and eight “B” volumes cover basic principles
such as fluid dynamics, chemical reaction engineering, and analytical methods.
Use the Index Volume to locate your topic within both the A and B series.
Macmillan Encyclopedia of Chemistry
Sci Ref QD 4 .M33 1997
Almost 700 articles are found in this 4-volume set ranging from brief definitions
to extensive overviews. Brief bibliographies are found after most articles.
Written in an easy-to-read style, this is a great place to find basic introductions
to chemical topics.
CRC Handbook of Chemistry & Physics
Electronic: Available in library; remote access requires login - Print: Science
Reference Desk
Most well-known chemistry handbook. Contains a wide variety of tables containing
chemical and physical data. Tables are organized into 16 topical sections. Using
the Table of Contents is usually the best way to find what you’re looking for.
An index is provided but the indexing is often sketchy and inconsistent. Earlier
editions of this handbook often contain additional tables not found in the most
recent edition.
Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary
Sci Ref QD 5 .C5 1997
Most widely recognized dictionary of chemistry – including descriptions of chemicals,
processes, terminology and phenomena. It is a wonderful compendium of technical
data and descriptive information in brief definitive entries. Appendix I informs
the reader of the origins of chemical terms. Fun to browse!
Encyclopedia of Chemical Reactions
Sci Ref QD 155 .J3
An eight-volume set filled with chemical reactions as extracted from the chemical
literature up to the mid-1950s. Organized by principal element in the reaction.
An “Index to Reagents” and an “Index to Substances Obtained” is found in each
volume. Each entry provides schematic diagrams and a literature reference. Primarily
inorganic reactions.
For additional items, please try browsing for these subjects in the BYU Library
Catalog:
CHEMISTRY TABLES; CHEMISTRY, TECHNICAL DICTIONARIES; CHEMISTRY ENCYCLOPEDIAS;
CHEMISTRY HANDBOOKS, MANUALS, ETC.; CHEMISTRY DICTIONARIES
Organic/Biochemistry
"Comprehensive Chemistry" Series
Each of these multi-volume sets provides in-depth coverage of the subject area
reflected by the title. Articles within the set are organized into volumes according
to broad topics noted on the volume spines. Use the subject index at the end
of each volume or the cumulative subject index for the set to locate your topic.
You may need to check a few places before finding what you need.
Comprehensive Organic Chemistry
Sci Ref QD 245 .C65
Comprehensive Organic Functional Group Transformations
Sci Ref QD 262 .C534 1995
Comprehensive Organic Synthesis
Sci Ref QD 262 .C535 1991
Comprehensive Heterocyclic Chemistry
Sci Ref QD 400 .C65 1984
Comprehensive Heterocyclic Chemistry II
Sci Ref QD 400 .C65 1996
Comprehensive Organometallic Chemistry
Sci Ref QD 411 .C65 1982
Comprehensive Organometallic Chemistry II
Sci Ref QD 411 .C652 1995
Comprehensive Supramolecular Chemistry
Sci Ref QD 411 .C66 1996
Houben-Weyl Methods of Organic Chemistry
QD 258 .M44
A well-known treatise covering the whole field of organic chemistry. Extensive
discussions of preparative methods, detailed procedures, and reactions. In German
until 1990, now in English. See also Science of Synthesis.
Science of Synthesis, Houben-Weyl Methods of Molecular Transformations
QD 262 .S35
An entirely new edition of the well-known Houben-Weyl Methods of Organic Chemistry
reference set. Currently being published but will have 48 volumes when completed.
In English.
Encyclopedia of Reagents for Organic Synthesis
Sci Ref QD 77 .E53 1995
Extensive 8-volume set highlighting functions and property data for over 3000
reagents. Reagents are listed alphabetically by IUPAC name. Volume 8 contains
several useful indexes including the “Reagent Formula Index,” “Reagent Structural
Class Index,” “Reagent Function Index,” and “Subject Index.” Extensive literature
references also provided.
Reagents for Organic Synthesis
QD 262 .R33
Arranged alphabetically by reagent, this annual publication provides the reagent’s
use and relevant references to the literature. Each volume has its own author
and subject indexes, with an occasional index by type of reagent.
Organic Reactions
Sci Ref QD 251 .O7
An annual publication since 1942. Each successive volume is a collection of
chapters devoted to a single reaction. Chapters include a discussion followed
by extensive tables of reactions with literature references. Each volume contains
a cumulative author and topic index for the set. A great place to start researching
a reaction type if the one in which you’re interested has been covered.
Organic Syntheses
Electronic: Publicly available on the Web - Print: QD 262 .O7
An annual publication since 1921. Each volume contains checked and edited procedures
for useful synthetic methods. Each entry contains a procedure, discussion, and
references to the literature. Locate a procedure by using the Author or Subject
Index at the end of each volume. Every 5 years the procedures are compiled into
a Collective Volume. These are located in Sci Ref QD 262 .O722. Use these collective
volumes to start your search.
Named Organic Reactions
Sci Ref QD 291 .L38x 1998
A reference book dealing with 134 of the most important reactions in organic
chemistry. Arranged in alphabetical order, each entry provides a one-sentence
description of the reaction, schematic representation, discussion, and literature
references. Emphasizes mechanisms. See also Name Reactions in Organic Chemistry.
Name Reactions in Organic Chemistry
QD 73 .S8
An older reference similar to the newer Named Organic Reactions. This author
provides brief histories regarding the chemists’ backgrounds and contributions
alongside their namesake reactions.
Comprehensive Organic Transformations
Sci Ref QD 262 .L355 1999
A wonderful single volume handbook tabulating organic reactions in a concise,
straightforward manner. Literature references provided. Locate the reaction
in which you are interested using either the Table of Contents or the Transformation
Index at the end of the volume. The Transformation Index enables you to locate
a reaction yielding a given product or class of products from a starting material
or class of starting material.
Concise Encyclopedia Biochemistry
Sci Ref QD 415 .A25 B713 1997
More like a dictionary than an encyclopedia, this title is a one-volume collection
of generally brief definitions.
For additional items, try browsing for these subjects in the BYU Library Catalog: ORGANIC COMPOUNDS SYNTHESIS; BIOCHEMISTRY DICTIONARIES; CHEMISTRY, ORGANIC
Derivative Tables
Handbook of Tables for Organic Compound Identification
Sci Ref QD 291 .R28 1967
This entire book is devoted to derivative tables for identifying unknown compounds.
Systematic Identification of Organic Compounds
Sci Ref QD 261 .S965 1998
Provides tests and procedures for the identification of unknown organic compounds.
Appendix III contains derivative tables.
Semimicro Qualitative Organic Analysis
Sci Ref QD 98 .C45 1965
Parts I-III of this volume detail tests and procedures for identifying unknown
organic compounds. Part IV contains derivative tables.
For additional items, try browsing for these subjects in the BYU Library Catalog: CHEMISTRY, ORGANIC TABLES
Inorganic/Analytical/Physical/Theoretical
"Comprehensive Chemistry" Series
Each of these multi-volume sets provides in-depth coverage of the subject
area reflected by the title. Articles within the set are organized into volumes
according to broad topics noted on the volume spines. Use the subject index
at the end of each volume or the cumulative subject index for the set to locate
your topic. You may need to check a few places before finding what you need.
Comprehensive Coordination Chemistry
Sci Ref QD 474 .C65 1987
Comprehensive Organometallic Chemistry I
Sci Ref QD 411 .C65 1982
Comprehensive Organometallic Chemistry II
Sci Ref QD 411 .C652 1995
Comprehensive Supramolecular Chemistry
Sci Ref QD 411 .C66 1996
Encyclopedia of Analytical Science
Sci Ref QD 71.5 .E53 1995
An invaluable resource for introductions to a wide variety of topics in analytical
science including techniques, applications, and analytes. The first nine volumes
are filled with 750 articles followed by literature references. Volume 10 contains
some important appendices and an index to the set.
Encyclopedia of Inorganic Chemistry
Sci Ref QD 148 .E53 1994
The eight volumes of this set comprehensively cover all aspects of bioinorganic,
organometallic, and solid state chemistry. It contains 260 lengthy main articles
and over 860 short entries interspersed alphabetically. There is also an index
to the set in volume 8.
Gmelin Handbuch der Anorganischen Chemie
Sci Ref QD 151 .G52
Written in German, this is the most comprehensive source of information on inorganic
chemistry. Each volume is dedicated to a single element. Additional volumes
are added according to editorial choice. Indexes are few and far between. Locate
information using the tables of contents to each volume (in English). The Lee
Library does not have a complete set of Gmelin.
Encyclopedia of Computational Chemistry
Sci Ref QD 39.3 .E46 E53 1998
A five volume set covering the expanding field of computational chemistry. Includes
full-length articles, brief entries and descriptions of software packages and
vendors on over 300 topics. Volume 5 contains a section on selected software
for computational chemists and an index for locating your topic.
Encyclopedia of Spectroscopy and Spectrometry
Sci Ref QC 450.3 .E53x 2000
A well-organized and useful three-volume set containing explanations of the
most important spectroscopic and related techniques. Articles are organized
alphabetically by topic, but for reader convenience each volume also contains
a contents list grouped by spectroscopic area. Articles are flagged as either
“historical overview,” “theory,” “methods and instrumentation,” or “applications.”
Volume 3 also contains useful appendices and an index to the set.
Encyclopedia of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
Sci Ref QC 762 .E53 1996
An attempt to cover the entire field since the discovery of NMR in 1946. Volume
1 contains historical perspectives. Volumes 2-8 contain articles arranged alphabetically
by title. Use the Subject Index found in Volume 8 to locate your topic. Articles
are often lengthy with substantial bibliographies.
Comprehensive Treatise on Inorganic and Theoretical Chemistry
Sci Ref QD 31 .M52
Commonly referred to as “Mellor’s” after its original editor. While this set
is old, it is a valuable source for overview treatments of the elements in readable
fashion. Organized into volumes by periodic groups, each volume has its own
sketchy index and table of contents for locating material. Volume 16 contains
a comprehensive index to the original set (not supplements).
Official Methods of Analysis of AOAC
Sci Ref S 587 .A88
This two-volume loose-leaf handbook contains reviewed analytical methods and
procedures in areas ranging from fertilizers to sugars and sugar products. Published
by the Association of Official Analytical Chemists. Locate a desired procedure
by using either the Table of Contents or the Subject Index located in both volumes.
Each method is assigned a “method number.” If you are starting with a method
number, used the Index of Method Numbers to determine the location of that method
within the handbook.
For additional items, try browsing for these subjects in the BYU Library Catalog: CHEMISTRY, ANALYTIC; CHEMISTRY, INORGANIC; CHEMISTRY COMPUTER SIMULATION; CHEMISTRY, PHYSICAL AND THEORETICAL
Spectra
Aldrich Library of FT-IR Spectra
Sci Ref QC 457 .P87 1997
A 3-volume set containing FT-IR spectra for nearly 18,500 compounds. Cumulative
indexes to the set are found at the end of volume three. You may locate the
spectrum you need using the Alphabetical (name) Index, Molecular Formula Index,
or CAS Registry Number Index.
Aldrich Library of Infrared Spectra
Sci Ref QC 457 .P86
A handy one-volume source for IR spectra. Spectra are grouped by class of compounds
in order of increasing complexity. Best way to locate what you want is the Empirical
Formula Index located at the end of the volume.
SDBS, Integrated Spectral Database System for Organic Compounds
Electronic: Publicly available on the Web
A spectral database of organic compounds freely available on the web provided
by the National Institute of Materials and Chemical Research in Japan. Includes
30,000 compounds and six types of spectra: MS, 13C NMR, 1H NMR, IR, Raman, ESR.
Provides for a number of searching options including by peak assignments.
NIST WebBook
Electronic: Publicly available on the Web
A wonderful, evaluated collection of data from NIST including thermochemical
data, reaction thermochemistry, and spectra (IR, Mass, UV/Vis). Freely available
over the web. Search by molecular formula, name, CAS Registry Number, or structure.
TRC Database
Electronic: Available in library only, inquire at Science Reference Desk
Indexes spectral data from the Thermodynamics Research Center (TRC), including
NMR, IR, Mass, Raman, and UV spectra. Search by chemical name, molecular formula,
or CAS Registry Number. Available on computers #21-26 in the Science Reference
area. Serial numbers given will be found in the binders beginning at Sci Ref
QC 463 .H9 I54x.
Carbon-13 NMR Spectra
Sci Ref QC 462 .C4 J64
A handy one-volume handbook of 500 carbon-13 NMR spectra. Spectra are clear
and very legible. Use the name index at the beginning of the volume to locate
the spectrum of interest.
Atlas of Mass Spectral Data
QC 453 .S75
A three-volume set providing tabular mass spectral data for thousands of compounds.
Compounds are listed by increasing molecular weight. Use the comprehensive index
found at the end of each volume to locate your compound by molecular formula.
Alphabetical List of Compound Names, Formulae, and References to Published
Infrared Spectra
Sci Ref QC 457 .X1 A45
Indexes 92,000 compounds whose infrared and far-infrared spectra appear in the
literature. Organized alphabetically by compound name, use the reference number
to locate the original reference in the Abstracted Reference List given at the
back. One more step – use the Coden Assignment List (following the Abstracted
Reference List) to determine the name of the journal. See also Molecular Formula
List of Compounds, Names, and References to Published Infrared Spectra.
Molecular Formula List of Compounds, Names, and References to Published Infrared
Spectra
Sci Ref QC 457 .X1 A5
Indexes 92,000 compounds whose infrared and far-infrared spectra appear in the
literature. Organized by molecular formula, use the reference number to locate
the original reference in the Abstracted Reference List given at the back. One
more step – use the Coden Assignment List (following the Abstracted Reference
List) to determine the name of the journal. See also Alphabetical List of Compounds,
Names, and References to Published Infrared Spectra.
Ultraviolet Spectra of Aromatic Compounds
QC 459 .F7
A one-volume handbook providing ultraviolet spectra for about 600 aromatic compounds.
Locate the desired spectrum using either the Name Index or Formula Index at
the end of the volume.
Ultraviolet and Visible Absorption Spectra
Q 158 .X1 H37
About 75,000 references to literature containing absorption spectra from 1930-1963
are included in this 3-volume compilation. Compounds are arranged alphabetically
by name followed by literature references. Journals covered are listed at the
beginning of each volume along with their respective abbreviations as used in
this work.
Absorption Spectra
QC 437 .L322
A 20-volume set published in the 1960s and early 1970s providing absorption
spectra in the ultraviolet and visible regions along with tabulated data. Cumulative
indexes are provided for volumes I-V and VI-X. However, for volumes XI-XX you
must look in each of the individual volume indexes - found as a pamphlet attached
to the back cover. Indexes are by name and molecular formula.
Organic Electronic Spectral Data
QC 437 .O65
A 31-volume set indexing ultraviolet and visible spectra found in the literature
from 1946-1989. Each volume is organized in molecular formula order and provides
wavelength values for all maxima, shoulders, and inflections with the corresponding
literature reference. See the back of the volume for complete reference information.
No cumulative indexes are included with this set.
For additional items, try browsing for these subjects in the BYU Library Catalog: INFRARED SPECTROSCOPY TABLES; INFRARED SPECTROSCOPY CHARTS, DIAGRAMS, ETC.; SPECTRUM ANALYSIS TABLES; INFRARED SPECTROSCOPY HANDBOOKS, MANUALS, ETC.; MASS SPECTROMETRY TABLES; ULTRAVIOLET SPECTRA TABLES
Patents
US Patent & Trademark Office
Electronic: Publicly available on the Web
Provides access to the full-text of U.S. patents since 1976 and full-page images
since 1790. A variety of search options available. A plug-in is required to
view the full-page images.
Espacenet
Electronic: Publicly available on the Web
Provided by the European Patent Office, this site provides access to PDF facsimiles
of patent applications in their original language from the European Patent Office
and the World Intellectual Property Organization for the last 24 months. Also
provides access to patent applications with English abstracts and titles from
over 50 countries and regions worldwide.
DEPATISnet
Electronic: Publicly available on the Web
Provided by the German Patent Office this website offers all German patents
in full text (PDF format) since 1877. Also includes patents from many other
countries. Click on the British flag for the English language version.
Safety
Sigma-Aldrich Library of Regulatory and Safety Data
Sci Ref T 55.3 .H3 L46 1993
A three-volume collection of technical information on handling, physical data,
and toxicity hazards for a variety of substances ranging from non-aromatic hydrocarbons
to venoms. Arranged by chemical class and structure, the best way to locate
your compound is using the indexes found in volume 3 – alphabetical by name,
molecular formula, or CAS Registry Number.
Dictionary of Substances and their Effects
Sci Ref RA 1193 .D53 1999
An excellent 7-volume reference set containing chemical and biological data
for 4123 chemicals. Organized alphabetically by name, each entry provides information
on physical properties, occupational exposure, ecotoxicity, mammalian and avian
toxicity, other effects, and legislation. References are provided. Three indexes
are provided at the end of Volume 7 for ease in locating the chemical of interest:
Chemical Names and Synonyms, CAS Registry Number, and Molecular Formula.
Material Safety Data Sheets
Print: Sci Ref T 55.3 .H3 M38x
Electronic: Publicly available on the Web
Collections of MSDS from various companies providing health and safety information
on a wide variety of compounds.
Bretherik's Handbook of Reactive Chemical Hazards
Sci Ref T 55.3 .H3 B73 1999
Nearly 5,000 compounds are included in this extensive compendium of details
on reactive hazards of chemicals with other chemicals. Volume I contains chemicals
arranged by molecular formula with many cross-references to other entries as
well as references to the original literature. Appendix IV contains an alphabetical
listing of chemicals with their corresponding entry number, and Appendix V provides
a CAS Registry Number index. Volume II provides entries arranged by class, group,
or topic of compounds.
CRC Handbook of Laboratory Safety
Sci Ref QD 51 .C73 2000
A thorough reference work on all aspects of laboratory safety ranging from facilities
to operations to handling of chemicals for both chemical and non-chemical laboratories.
References are given at the ends of sections for further reading and research.
Use the extensive Table of Contents or the somewhat sketchy index at the back
to locate the piece of information desired.
Prudent Practices in the Laboratory
Sci Ref T 55.3 .H3 P78 1995
Designed for both students and researchers, this reference is published by the
Committee on Prudent Practices for Handling, Storage, and Disposal of Chemicals
in Laboratories of the National Research Council. It is written from a very
practical and readable viewpoint. An index is located at the end of the volume,
or use the table of contents.
For additional items, try browsing for these subjects in the BYU Library Catalog: CHEMICAL LABORATORIES SAFETY MEASURES; CHEMICALS SAFETY MEASURES HANDBOOKS, MANUALS, ETC.; HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES HANDBOOKS, MANUALS, ETC.; HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES SAFETY MEASURES HANDBOOKS, MANUALS, ETC.
Chemical Catalogs and Directories
Aldrich Catalog Handbook of Fine Chemicals
Sci Ref TP 202 .A43x
The first purpose of this handbook is to serve as a sales catalog for Aldrich.
However, it contains much useful information and is a good starting point for
research on a given chemical. Provides CAS Registry Numbers, structural representations,
basic physical properties, plus references to other key sources such as the
Registry of Toxic Effects of Substances, Merck Index, and Beilstein. Arrangement
is alphabetical by chemical name. Also contains molecular formula and CAS Registry
Number indexes.
Chem Sources
Sci Ref TP 12 .C44
Use this handy reference to find out where you may purchase a given chemical.
The white pages of this catalog list chemicals alphabetically by name followed
by the abbreviations of the companies that sell the chemical. Use the blue pages
to obtain the company names and contact information, arranged alphabetically
by their abbreviations.
Specialty Chemicals Source Book
Sci Ref TP 200 .A78 1997
A valuable 2-volume reference that covers over 8,000 chemicals used in agriculture,
coatings, adhesives, electronics, food additives, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics,
and more. For each chemical the CAS Registry Number, chemical synonyms, properties,
toxicology, precautions, storage, uses, and manufacturers are provided. Arranged
alphabetically by chemical name. There are also several useful indexes including
a function/application index, manufacturers' directory, and Registry Number
index containing generic and trade name product equivalents.
Dictionary of Chemical Names and Synonyms
Sci Ref TP 9 .H65 1992
A simple one-volume reference providing chemical synonyms and trade names for
CAS Registry Numbers. The main section of the handbook is arranged by CAS Registry
Number, followed by two indexes for names and molecular formulas.
Gardner's Chemical Synonyms and Trade Names
Sci Ref TP 9 .G286 1999
Provides brief definitions on the classification and applications of over 40,000
trade names and chemicals along with their manufacturers. Alphabetical by name
with extensive cross-referencing. Includes CAS Registry Number and EINECS Number
indexes.
For additional items, try browsing for these subjects in the BYU Library Catalog: CHEMICALS CATALOGS; CHEMICAL INDUSTRY DIRECTORIES
Selected Web Sites
Periodical Databases:
PubMed
A primary resource for the broad field of biomedicine. Find articles on clinical
medicine, nutrition, and life sciences. Indexes approximately 4,300 journals
from 1966 to the present. A wonderful resource provided by the National Library
of Medicine.
Chemical Properties
NIST Chemistry WebBook
A wonderful, evaluated collection of data from NIST including thermochemical
data, reaction thermochemistry, and spectra (IR, Mass, UV/Vis). Freely available
over the web. Search by molecular formula, name, CAS Registry Number, or structure.
ChemFinder
A web search engine for chemistry sites. Search by compound name, CAS Registry
Number, molecular formula, or structure. Provides basic property and identification
information and links to web databases and sites with additional information.
A wonderful tool for locating specific chemical information on the web.
Patents
US Patent & Trademark Office
Provides access to the full-text of U.S. patents with images since 1976. A variety
of search options available. A plug-in is required to view the full-text page
images.
Espacenet
Provided by the European Patent Office, this site provides access to PDF facsimiles
of patent applications in their original language from the European Patent Office
and the World Intellectual Property Organization for the last 24 months. Also
provides access to patent applications with English abstracts and titles from
over 50 countries and regions worldwide.
DEPATISnet
Provided by the German Patent Office, this site offers all German patents in
fulltext (PDF files) since 1877. Patents from many other countries are also
included. Click on the British flag for English language version of the site.
However, the patents themselves will be in the language in which they were published.
Societies and Associations
American Institute of Chemical Engineers
American Chemical Society
Librarian Assisted Research Service
The librarian assisted research service provides a way for you to locate bibliographic references and abstracts using online databases that are otherwise not available to students. It provides the advantage of searching several databases simultaneously in a wide range of subject areas in a short period of time.
Such librarian assisted research is a mediated search service and a fee is charged beyond a base amount that is subsidized by the library. The library subsidizes the first $5, $10, and $15 of each search for current undergraduates, graduate students, and faculty of Brigham Young University, respectively. With this subsidy almost all searches for students are essentially free.
Contact Randall Ward to make an appointment for a librarian assisted research search in the following subject areas: chemical engineering, chemistry, food science & nutrition, or molecular biology.
Randall Ward
Chemical Sciences Subject Librarian
2320 HBLL, 422-9066
randy_ward@byu.edu
For other subjects, inquire with the corresponding Subject Librarian.
A sample of the databases available:
AGRIS International
Analytical Abstracts
BIOSIS
CAB Abstracts
Chemical Abstracts
Chemical Engineering & Biotechnology Abstracts
Current Biotechnology Abstracts
EMBASE
Food Science & Technology Abstracts
Foodline
Foods Adlibra
INSPEC
Life Sciences Collection
TOXLINE
Techniques for Keyword Searching
Using Boolean Operators
AND, OR, NOT
Identify 2-4 words that describe your research topic.
Combine these keywords using AND, OR, NOT to get back from the database what you want.
|
OPERATOR |
WHAT IT DOES |
EXAMPLE* |
|
AND |
Use to narrow a search. Combines words so that the concepts represented are both present in the same reference |
bioceramics AND implants |
|
OR |
Use to broaden a search. Combines words so that any of the concepts may be present, but not necessarily all |
(bioceramics OR ceramics) AND implants |
|
NOT |
Used to eliminate a term from the search. Use cautiously! |
bioceramics NOT biomaterials |
*The Boolean operators do not need to be uppercase. Most search engines are not case sensitive.
Using Truncation Symbols
*,#,$,?
Use truncation symbols to broaden your search results by retrieving terms with various endings. Truncations symbols vary with the database you are using, but all work essentially the same way.
The most common truncation symbols are *, #, $, ?
Use the trial-and-error method (try one, if you retrieve zero hits try a different one!) or use the database help screens to find out which truncation symbol (also known as a wildcard) is appropriate to use.
Example: degrad* will retrieve the following
degrade
degraded
degrading
degradable
degradability
etc.