Crossfire Commander version 7.0

From WolfWikis

NOTE that the latest version of Crossfire Commander is v.7.1. This page refers to an outdated version of the software.

The Beilstein and Gmelin databases are used to find chemical properties, or "facts." The Beilstein database contains organic substances, Gmelin is used for inorganic chemistry. Both are accessed through MDL Crossfire Commander Software (latest version is 7.1, v.6 and 7.0 are still supported).

Download the software from the client distribution page. An instructional handout (MS Word document) is also available.

Vocabulary

Numerous terms are associated with these databases.

• Beilstein - an electronic database for organic chemistry, data from Beilstein's Handbuch der organischen chemie.
• Gmelin - an electronic database for inorganic chemistry, data from Gmelin's Handbuch der anorganischen chemie.
• CrossFire - the retrieval system, originally known as the electronic version of the Beilstein and Gmelin handbooks.
• Commander - the software used to access the Beilstein and Gmelin databases.
• MDL - Molecular Design Limited, the company that produces the Commander software, owned by Elsevier since 1997.

Usage: "We access the Beilstein and Gmelin databases through the Elsevier MDL CrossFire Commander."

In practice, the whole package is often referred to as simply "Beilstein" no matter what the context or which database is being used.

Purpose of the database

The Beilstein (organic chemistry) and Gmelin (inorganic chemistry) databases are major compendiums of chemical "facts," i.e., chemical property data.

Getting Started

• From the Libraries' home, click Databases under the red Search the Collection area, locate Beilstein/Gmelin in the alphabetical index
• OR go directly to: http://www.lib.ncsu.edu/searchcollection/databases/beilstein.html
• Follow the directions to download the software. Please note: access to the database is restricted to NC State University IP addresses (i.e., it must be used on campus).

Beilstein/Gmelin is also installed on selected computers in the NCSU Libraries. Ask at the reference desk for assistance.

The Basics

• Select the appropriate database for your search (click "Select Database" to change)
  • Beilstein: organic chemistry
  • Gmelin: inorganic chemistry
  • You can select both simultaneously, but it will limit the fields you can search
• Instead of full text searching, select a field to search from the tree in the left panel
  
  • Make sure the Search Fields option is selected
  • To find fields, browse through the hierarchy, or use the search box
• Build searches for substances by adding multiple fields to the query

Finding substances

• Find Chemical Name (or the field corresponding to other identification information you know, such as CAS registry number or molecular formula) in the hierarchy. (First make sure Search Fields tab is selected.)
• Double click to add a field to the search fields table
• Now enter search information in field content within the search fields table (eg, caffeine, nicotine, 58-08-2)

• Optionally add more fields – especially if searching for substances that have specific desired properties or available data

Navigating

The Field Availability list is essentially just a table of contents for all the information below it. Click on the code (e.g., "RX" for reactions) to jump to that section.

• Use the tabs along the top of the screen to jump between the Query and Results
• From within the results, use the View, Show, Grid, and List buttons to change display
• While viewing search results, double click a structure to see details and all available data.
• While viewing data, use the Field Availability List (like a table of contents--pictured at right) to navigate the data.
• Click the Code (e.g., if you want reactions, click the RX) to jump to that portion of the data.

Structure searching

NOTE: Chemical structure editing requires MDL ISIS/Draw—available from the distribution page

1. To draw and edit new structures from the Query screen

• • Double click the structure search window
  • Draw and edit structure in the MDL ISIS/Draw window
  • Click the CrossFire button (blue and yellow arrows) to send back to query builder

--OR--

1. To edit a known structure from the Results screen, after a search

• • Click structure to select it
  • Click Copy ( )
  • Double-click the structure in the search window to send to editor
  • After editing the structure how you want, click the CrossFire button (blue and yellow arrows) to send back to query builder

To search by structure (after completing either of the above procedures)

• Check and uncheck appropriate options for your search in the upper right boxes
  • The more Free Sites and Allow boxes checked, the more variation you'll permit in the results. For more precise results, don't check the boxes.
• You can optionally add any other text or field search information to the search

Saving search results

• Save facts: When viewing results data, click the Copy this Fact button (looks like two sheets of paper). Select a save option. Many researchers use the Copy Fact to Word option for saving or printing.
• Save query: From the Query screen, click Save Query.
• Save structures (within ISIS/Draw)

Using LitLink

The LitLink server is no longer being maintained at either The University of Wisconsin or by Elsevier as of January 1, 2009. Crossfire Commander v.7.1 integrates LitLink functionality--please consider upgrading.

V.7.0 users will not have a way to link to full text articles. Note any citations and use the locating references in the library page or Ask A Librarian to get the paper.