Finding synthesis methods in Beilstein
From WolfWikis
To find synthesis references in Beilstein/Gmelin, you need to know your substance's Beilstein Registry Number (BRN). Then you can limit your search to reactions in which your compound is a product.
The BRN of caffeine is 17705
Start with the procedure for finding substances. Search for the chemical you wish to synthesize:
- Find Chemical Name (or the field corresponding to other identification information you know, CAS number is recommended) in the hierarchy
- Double click to add it to the search fields table
- Now enter search information in field content within the search fields table (e.g., caffeine, nicotine, 58-08-2)
- View search results.
- You'll see the BRN listed with the chemical structure. (Image at right)
- Double-clicking on the substance will give you the available data. Note the BRN, and if there aren't too many reactions (RX) listed, you may be able to browse the results here. Click on the RX and scroll through the reactions, looking for entries in which the BRN is the product. If there are too many to browse or you do not quickly see any in which the substance is a product, continue with the following steps to do a more refined search.
Follow these steps to search only for reactions in which the chemical is a product:
- Note the BRN and return to the search screen by clicking Query (top of the screen). Now we can search for the chemical as a product.
- Clear the search table first (Clear Table button, lower right).
- Search for Product BRN in the field search on the left. Click Find. (It will be found under the Chemical Properties--Reaction part of the hierarchy.) Double click it to add to the search.
- Enter the BRN in the Field Content.
The BRN is entered as a search
- Click Search. You may be prompted to search either Reactions or Substances (select Reactions). View the results to see relevant reactions.