Chemistry Database Options

Chemical Abstracts is a major index to the world's chemistry literature. Chemistry-related articles from over 9,000 journals are abstracted and indexed by chemists at CAS (Chemical Abstracts Service). Patents are also indexed. Each newly described chemical substance is registered and given a unique CAS Registry number. Chemical Abstracts has been published in printed form since 1907. In 1967, a computer database was started. CAS eventually created its own search interface and system, called STN. In 1998, a web version of STN was added. In 2001, TIFF images of the 1907-1966 printed pages were added to the electronic versions. Regardless of format, Chemical Abstracts is THE authoritative source for learning about published accounts of chemistry-related research.

Options for access to Chemical Abstracts at MHC:

SciFinder Scholar (24 hr access except Sat night)

You will need to download software to your computer. Instructions for downloading SciFinder Scholar 2006 for Windows and SciFinder Scholar for Mac OS X. SciFinder Scholar (SFS) is easy to use. You can draw chemical structures and search by structure. You can search by topic, author, or company name. If you have difficulty connecting to SFS, please notify Sarah Oelker. We only have 2 "ports" which we share with others, so you may have to wait and try again. Please be considerate of others and "exit" from SFS when you are finished searching.

For advice about SciFinder Scholar search stategies, see SciFinder Scholar Resources (CAS Learning Center).

CAS Academic access (evening and weekend hours only, M-Th 5pm-5am, F 5pm-10pm, Sat 3am-3pm, Sun 8am-5am) via...
STN Easy, a simplified WEB version, available via computers in our network

No password required; just hit the "Start your session" button (during the hours of service).  MHC Library pays the bill for each search you do. Don't be intimidated by the prices you will see for each action: $2 for a search, $3.85 for each reference displayed; we pay only 20 cents, 39 cents (90% discount). Note that there is a "transcript" feature that saves your selected results for up to 8 hours. Quick Tips for searching STN Easy.

Access via Librarian: Mediated Online Search

Request an online search conducted by Science Librarian Sarah Oelker. The library has daytime as well as evening (academic discount) access to the Chemical Abstracts Online. You can sit with Sarah during the search and provide advice about exactly what you want. Results can be printed, emailed, or downloaded to disk.