Chemistry

Revised by Deborah Henry
June, 2006

Additional material on chemical topics can be found in the circulating collection on the third floor of the library under the basic classification QD.

Databases

ACS Web Editions
ACS provides full-text access to the 26 journals published under the auspices of the American Chemical Society. Graphical images and supporting information have been loaded as well.

Crossfire (Beilstein)
This resource contains all the necessary information about more than 7 million organic chemical compounds, from 1771 to date. Reactions and chemical and physical properties, with corresponding literature references, are available. Users outside the library must download the Beilstein software in order to search the database.

Current Contents Connect. Latest 12 months.
Seven files comprise this table-of-contents database, including Physical, chemical, and Earth Sciences (PCES). Citations and abstracts are provided for each entry. To search the PCES file only, deselect the other six in the search screen.

General Science Abstracts
This resource indexes 140 titles covering all scientific disciplines; very useful for introductory subject material.

Web of Science
This service provides access to ScienceCitation Expanded which covers journals, books, maps, dissertations, and technical reports. The database is searchable by several parameters including cited references and institutional affiliation.

SciFinder Scholar
This database provides access to Chemical Abstracts (1907 to date), the Registry of Chemical Substances, and other chemistry related sources. Coverage is international in scope and includes journal articles, book chapters, patents, conference proceedings, technical reports, dissertations, and other materials. Some full text is available if USF subscribes to the electronic journal cited. SciFinder ScholarGateway provides information on how to access.

For additional suggestions, search Databases by subject category on the Libraries of the USF System web site.

Dictionaries & encyclopedias

Chemistry: Foundations and Applications. REF QD4.C48 2004.

This four volume resource contains over 500 articles, alphabetically arranged, covering a broad range of topics. The authors are identified and a bibliography is provided for most entries. The set also includes a topical outline, glossary, extensive index and a few reference tables including metric conversion.

Dictionary of Chemistry. REF QD5.M522 2003

Designed as a student reference source, entries are alphabetically arranged and concise. Some formulae and diagrams are present.

Facts on File Dictionary of Organic Chemistry REF QD246.F33 2004

This reference targets high school and college students. There are several appendices including web pages and a bibliography of addition sources.

Hawley’s Condensed Chemical Dictionary. REF QD5.C5 1997.

Like a handbook, Hawley’s is a compilation of chemical data in addition to providing definitions for general chemical terminology. Under each chemical entry names, synonyms, CAS registry numbers, formulae, properties, use, and hazards are given. This resource also includes trade names and important chemists. Appendices offer information about the origin of some chemical terms, a chronological history of chemistry, and manufacturers’ addresses.

World of Chemistry. REF QD33.W873 2000

Entries include chemical terms, concepts, and applications as well as biographical information. Most entries are ½ to 1½ pages in length, arranged alphabetically and illustrated. Appendices include a bibliography, historical chronology, and general index.

Other reference sources

ACS Style Guide. REF QD8.5 .A25 1986.

A manual for authors and editors published by the American Chemical Society. Guidelines include procedures for writing a journal article or a book. 

A To Z of Chemists. REF QD21 .O34 2002

This well indexed resource presents biographical sketches of over 150 chemists who have contributed significantly to this field. In addition to the main section, entries are also cross-referenced in separate appendices by country of birth, country of major scientific activity, and year of birth. A chronology visually presents the time span of each career.

CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. REF QD65 .H3

This resource is a compilation of information and data important to the fields of inorganic and organic chemistry, thermochemistry, fluid properties, biochemistry, analytical chemistry, practical laboratory data, health and safety. It includes helpful mathematical and conversion tables, identification of symbols, and definitions of terminology.  

Chemically Speaking . REF QD5 .C457 2002

Interesting collection of quotes arranged by subject with occasional humorous illustrations. Includes an extensive bibliography and a cross-reference index by author.

CRC Handbook of Laboratory Safety . REF QD51 .C73 2000

Lengthy articles with references describe many difference aspects of laboratory safety.

Handbook of Basic Tables for Chemical Analysis. QD78 .B78 2004

This source is described as “a single source of information” for scientists and students engaged in research of which chemical analysis is a part. There is a separate subject and chemical compound index and references are included with each entry.

Handbook of Inorganic Chemicals . REF QD155.5 .P37 2003

Well-indexed and alphabetically arranged, 2000 of the most common industrial chemicals are described by their physical, chemical and thermodynamic properties, methods of preparation, applications, and any hazardous properties. CAS Registry numbers are provided for many entries.

Lange’s Handbook of Chemistry. REF QD65 .L36 2005

A standard “one-volume source of factual information for chemists.” Sections cover organic and inorganic chemistry; conversion tables; spectroscopy, and practical laboratory information.

Merck Index. REF RS51 .M4 13 th 2001.

Subtitled “an encyclopedia of chemicals, drugs, and biologicals,” this index includes pharmaceuticals, inorganic and organic chemicals, laboratory reagents, and naturally occurring substances and plants. There is an illustration of each chemical structure, a list of references is included with each entry, and multiple appendices.

Named Reactions: A Collection of Detailed Reaction Mechanisms. REF QD291 .L55 2002

This collection of organic reactions is arranged alphabetically, described using formula, and provide additional references.

Internet

American Chemical Society. <http://www.acs.org>.

ACS is the largest scientific organization of its kind. This site provides all kinds of useful information to the chemistry student or practicing professional.  

Chemie.DE Information Service. < http://www.chemie.de/tools/>

This web page for chemists earned high marks for its information and design. The homepage links to over 1,000 sites for chemical databases, societies, tutorials, publications, and more.

Suggested journals

To locate additional chemistry-related electronic journals, visit the Libraries of the USF System web page.

Analytical Chemistry . Print: 1950 – 1994. Online: 1947 to date. Refereed. Chemical and Engineering News . Online: Current issue.
Chemical Reviews . Online: 1924 to date. Refereed.
Chemical Society Reviews. Online: 1998 to date.
Chemistry: a European Journal . Online: 1998 to date. Refereed.
Chemistry and Biology. Online: 1995 to date. Refereed.
Chemosphere . Online: 1972 to date. Refereed.
Foundations of Chemistry . Online: 1999 to date. Refereed.
Inorganic Chemistry . Online: 1962 to date. Refereed.
Journal of Organic Chemistry . Online: 1936 to date. Refereed.
Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics . Online: 1999 to date. Refereed.
Pure and Applied Chemistry. Online: 1982 to date.
Tetrahedron . Online: 1995 to date. Refereed.