Synthesis references

From WolfWikis

This page is written primarily to assist CH223L students, but could assist any researchers looking for methods of synthesizing a particular chemical.

Goal

Ultimately we want to find a description of the method of synthesis of a known chemical. In research, this might be done to determine if synthesizing the chemical would cheaper than buying it. Methods will usually be found a compendium such as the Organic Syntheses collective volumes or an article in a scholarly journal. The methodology you find may be very direct: a short paragraph describing all equipment, steps, reactants, solvents, products, and yields. Or less so: a long article about other research in which the compound you're interested in is obtained indirectly. Either way, expect to have to do some reading to understand the method clearly. Clear, concise methods do not necessarily exist for all chemicals!

There is not one all-encompassing book or database of these methods (too many unique chemicals, too many different methods), so we must search indirectly. Fortunately there ARE databases that index the locations of published methods of synthesis, the same way there are databases to locate articles on specific topics.

Note for CH223L students

Finding a method of synthesis is usually the hardest part of this assignment. Don't give up! It might take a few more steps, but you can find this information. Part of this assignment is to learn to new databases and locate articles. It is not expected that you know how to do this already!

Note that many syntheses for the chemicals you will be researching are old, so the journal article you need may only be available in print, not online. In addition, older journals will often be at the Satellite Shelving Facility, not in DH Hill. It takes a day or two to get items from Satellite Shelving, plan ahead!

Places to look

The Dictionary of Organic Compounds (online through ChemNetBase) is a recommended starting point because it's easy to use and cites reliable publications. If you're familiar with SciFinder Scholar or Beilstein/Gmelin, you may wish to start there.

Other possibilities

• Organic Syntheses collective volumes. Wonderfully concise methods, but an unreliable search interface.
• SciFinder Scholar
  • See the finding synthesis methods in SciFinder Scholar page
• Beilstein/Gmelin
  • See the finding synthesis methods in Beilstein page
• Handbook of Reagents for Organic Synthesis
• Merck Index

After you use these sources to obtain a journal article reference for a synthesis, you will need to check the NCSU Libraries Catalog to determine whether we have the journal, and to locate it online or in print. (You may have to resolve any journal abbreviations you find.)

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.

Hints and tips

• Although it's counterintuitive, sometimes it's helpful to look for the oldest articles available--synthesis methods for chemicals studied in this course will most likely be long-established. These articles may not illustrate the most modern techniques, but they'll often be easier to understand.
• Do not expect you will find an article written in English. English is one of many important languages in chemistry! For much of the modern history of chemistry, the principal language was German. And substantial contributions to the field of chemistry are made in many other languages. If you only speak English, you may be able to get the information you need from just the abstract (often available in English) or diagrams of molecular structures.
• Ask the chemistry librarian if you need more help.

Other CH223L topics.