Chemical Compound Databases on the Web

• The CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics online

  An old friend in a new format, the online CRC provides three different methods of searching the physical and chemical data. Sections particularly useful for this class are Section 3: Physical Constants of Organic Compounds and Section 9: Molecular Structure and Spectroscopy.

• Chemfinder (CambridgeSoft)

  Best starting point for locating compound information needed for the Chemistry 245/246 Laboratory class. Physical property data with 2D chemical structures of approximately 51,000 organic and 5,000 inorganic compounds. Automatically compiles a list of other web sites with information relevant to the search target. Search by either full or partial name, molecular formula, molecular weight, CAS registry number or (sub)structure. More detailed information on the ChemFinder FAQ.

Additional Sources:

• Aldrich Catalog (includes Sigma and others)

The Aldrich online catalog contains the same information as the print catalog. Can search by name, molecular formula, registry number (omit the dashes). Can also search by structure (requires downloading a structure drawing plugin). When searching try several variations of the chemical name. This site also contains a link to Aldrichimica Acta

• NIST Webbook

Search by (partial, formula, name, CAS registry number, molecular weight, ionization energy or proton affinity) of a full array of data compiled and distributed by NIST. Of particular interest for organic chemists are the IR spectra (5000 compounds) and mass spectra (8000 compounds). [Guide | FAQ]

• Materials Safety Data Sheets - Penn Library online reference shelf

A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is designed to provide both workers and emergency personnel with the proper procedures for handling or working with that substance. A MSDS will include information such as physical data (melting point, boiling point, flash point etc.), toxicity, health effects, first aid, reactivity, storage, disposal, protective equipment, and spill/leak procedures. A MSDS is usually on file for each chemical used at a site.

Links to MSDS Datasheets may also appear in the "related sites" list of ChemFinder searches (see above).

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