Using SciFinder-n for the Organic Chemistry Lab Literature Searching Assignment
ABOUT SCIFINDER-N
SciFinder-n is a robust chemistry database that could be used to complete most or all of the organic chemistry lab assignment. It is vital to professional chemistry researchers and chemistry lab students and can be very helpful for locating information on substances, articles about any chemistry topic, structures, and reactions.
ACCESS TO SCIFINDER-N
SciFinder-n is available through the NC State University Libraries. You must create an individual account before accessing the database.
USING SCIFINDER-N
For the literature search assignment, you don't need to learn everything there is to know about SciFinder-n. There are essentially three search options available through the navigation on top of the search box:
- References – Search for literature by topic.
- Substances – Get information on a specific chemical.
- Reactions – Search for reaction information.
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES, SPECTRA, AND COST
Search for a substance using a CAS number or name of the substance. The CAS number uniquely identifies a substance and is the most concise search. Common names often work, but may not be as precise.
- Click on the CAS number for a result to see detailed results.
- To find the refractive index, look under Experimental Properties -> Optical and Scattering.
- If the spectrum you need is not included in SciFinder-n, get the full text of the referenced article to obtain the spectrum.
- Click on Suppliers to find cost information.
HAZARDOUS PROPERTIES
SciFinder-n includes limited hazardous properties information that can be supplemented by other sources. You can also find information about hazardous properties by searching through journal literature. Use the Research Topic option and search by topic (e.g., hazardous properties of benzene). Click on Get Full Text to access the articles.
METHOD OF SYNTHESIS/PREPARATION
Search for a substance by CAS number or other identifier. Select a result, then click on Reactions to find a method of synthesis. Limit results by substance role "product" filter on the left side of the results. Check the reaction diagram and article abstract (click on the citation title) to be sure the method of synthesis is clear.
Tip: Sort the articles by Publication Year and click on the arrow to put older results at the top of the list. Since the lab assignment doesn't require a specific synthesis method (e.g., a current method or one involving a particular reagent), it can be helpful to look at older articles first. Older articles may describe the method in a more straightforward manner.
Tip: Although the article matches your search, the synthesis method described may not be clear or may be for a more general class of chemicals. Under References, click on the title to see the reference details. You will see bibliographic information (title, authors, etc.), an abstract, and indexing terms. Under Substances, find your chemical and check to make sure it is annotated by the words Preparation, Synthetic Preparation, or something similar, to indicate it is synthesized. Click on Get Full Text to access the articles.
LIBRARIAN CONTACT INFORMATION
If you need assistance, use the Libraries' Ask Us service or contact your chemistry librarian: Alexa Carter