Dictionary of Organic Compounds

From WolfWikis

The Dictionary of Organic Compounds (DoOC) is shelved in reference at QD246 .D5 1996. It is available online through ChemNetBase.

The DoOC contains some basic information for organic compounds, including property and hazards, but its real strength is the inclusion of annotated bibliographic references for the chemicals. The DoOC provides references to articles and books with synthesis, property information, and spectra, among other types of information.

Instructions for finding chemicals

Online via ChemNetBase

1. Access the database through the NCSU Libraries website
2. Use the link to the Combined Chemical Dictionary (CCD). The Dictionary or Organic Compounds is included in the CCD.
3. Enter the CAS number or name of the chemical. (CAS number is recommended.) Click the Search button.
4. Presuming that your chemical is in the database, you will see it in the result(s). (If it's not in the database, see the notes below.) Click the chemical name to get the record. This will appear in a small pop-up window, make sure it's not being blocked by your browser.

Print edition

1. Start with an index volume (use the CAS number index, volume 9, if you know the CAS number) to look up a substance. You will find a code in the form of "D-0-0-00175" (i.e., a letter and a series of numbers with dashes).
2. This code refers to one of the informational volumes (1-6), the code ranges are printed on the binding. Look up the code in the appropriate volume.

Chemical not found in the database or books

• Check your spelling. Chemicals are hard to spell. It happens to everyone.
• If you tried looking up your chemical by name, try the CAS number instead. Read the page on synonyms (chemistry).

It's possible your chemical isn't in the Dictionary. You will probably need to try another resource to find information. Contact the chemistry librarian if you need help.

Finding synthesis references

To find synthesis references, look for references in the bibliography that end in (synth).

1. Use the above instructions to find your chemical in the database or printed edition.
2. The annotated references are at the end of the entry--this is a bibliography of books and articles about the chemical.
3. References that end in (synth) pertain to synthesis methods. Now you know where to look in the library. Note the citation and use the locating references in the library page or Ask A Librarian to find this publication. Other tips on the synthesis references page.

You will often see synthesis references in something called Organic Syntheses collective volumes. These are the best references to try, since the synthesis methods compiled here are clear and concise. These are shelved right next to the DoOC, at call number QD262 .O72. They're green. Also online at orgsyn.org.