CrossFire Beilstein transitions to Reaxys for 2011
Access to the Beilstein database (via the CrossFire search interface) will end on December 31, 2010. The Beilstein database will be replaced by Reaxys, Elsevier’s workflow solution for research chemists. Reaxys search, analysis and workflow tools are designed around the needs and common tasks of users, including:
* Synthesis planner to design the optimum synthesis route
* Multi-step reactions to identify precursor reactions underlying synthesis of target compounds
Additional search capabilities have the ability to generate structure query from names or phrases and to filter search results by key properties, synthesis yield, or other ranking criteria.
The interface allows search results to display in a table or list format and users can explore intermediate steps in reactions by highlighting and expanding steps within reactions. The structure search allows for exact and family searching and similarity search, for related compounds or close variations, and transformation analysis for changes to chemical structures. Most compounds in Reaxys can be identified by their CAS Registry Numbers. Reaxys enables users to export data to other systems and workflow tools.
It also integrates with complementary information sources, such as UC-eLinks for linking to full text information sources. Reaxys contains new tools to evaluate search result sets, propose chemical synthesis strategies and move more quickly from a basic idea to a target compound.
Reaxys will provide more information about reaction pathways. For example, multi-step reactions provide insight into the intermediary steps in a synthetic process. Identifying precursor reactions to the target reaction will enhance chemists’ workflows. Synthesis planner functionality allows evaluation of alternative synthetic routes, identifies the shortest potential path, and generates a list of reactants for target compound synthesis. Reaxys can gather large amounts of data quickly and structure them in a compact and accessible manner, making data from journals and patents equally easy to connect with.
UCSB’s Chuck Huber (huber@library.ucsb.edu) is the Resource Liaison for Reaxys. For more information, please contact your campus Chemistry Librarian.