USING THE BEILSTEIN HANDBOOK

Using the Beilstein Handbook--[QD 251 B422, S&E Reference]--

What is the Beilstein Handbook?

Covering the subject of organic chemistry, the Beilstein Handbuch der organischen Chemie (Beilstein Handbook of Organic Chemistry), is a multi-volume collection of published data and literature references on the preparation and properties of carbon compounds.

Typically, each substance entry may include:

● Constitution/configuration, incl. structure diagram ● Chemical behavior/reactions (Chemisches Verhalten) ● Natural occurrence/isolation (Vorkommen) ● Preparation/purification (B., Bildung, Darst) ● Characterization/analysis ● Structural/energy parameters ● Salts/addition compounds ● Physical properties (Physikalische Eigenschaften) ● Handling techniques with literature references for each.

The Beilstein Information Services staff sift through and assess reported research data and organize it in a chemically logical format to save you time and effort in finding information you need. Since the data are critically evaluated, you may avoid insignificant, incorrect, or misleading data published in journals, patents, or books.

How is Beilstein organized?

a) By Time Period:

This table outlines the time period covered by each part of the Handbook (for literature published after 1979, consult Chemical Abstracts).

b) By Chemical Structure:

file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/User/Desk...eilstein/USING%20THE%20BEILSTEIN%20HANDBOOK.htm (1 of 16) [8/29/2007 1:05:11 AM]

USING THE BEILSTEIN HANDBOOK

Each time period is further divided into volumes, corresponding to the Beilstein System, which is based on chemical structure. This means that compounds with similar structural properties will always occur together in the same volume number, regardless of which time series (H, E I - E V) you consult. The system divides carbon compounds into 3 main groups. The main groups are broken down further according to functional properties of the substance, and assigned system numbers. See the last 2 pages of this handout for a detailed summary of the Beilstein System.

● acyclic -- contains no rings -- vol. 1-4 -- System Nos. 1-449 ● isocyclic -- contains carbon-only rings -- vol. 5-16 -- System Nos. 450-2358 ● heterocyclic -- contains rings with at least 1 noncarbon atom -- vol. 17-27 -- System Nos. 2359-

4720.

How do I use Beilstein?

First, in Part I, you will look up your substance in the appropriate index. Second, in Part II, you will use the volume and pages numbers you found in the indexes to find the data volumes covering your substance.

file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/User/Desk...eilstein/USING%20THE%20BEILSTEIN%20HANDBOOK.htm (2 of 16) [8/29/2007 1:05:11 AM]

USING THE BEILSTEIN HANDBOOK

Part I -- The Indexes:

A. The Beilstein Centennial Index First, use the Beilstein Centennial Index (this covers literature published up to 1959)

1. If you do not know the exact German name for your substance, use the General -Formelregister (Formula index). Look under molecular formula in Hill order as shown in the first sample entry.

2. Otherwise use the General-Sachregister (Name index) section as shown in the second sample entry.

3. Do you find a match? a. If you find your substance, look for a likely sounding German compound name among all of the isomers for the molecular formula. If you don't find a likely name, go to section B., to see whether there is any information in the Supplementary Series V under the English name or under the molecular formula. If you do find a likely name, also go to section B., to see whether there is additional information in the Supplementary Series V. b. If you do not find a match for your substance, go to section B.3.

B. The Beilstein Supplementary Series V Indexes Second, if your substance is heterocyclic, use the Beilstein Supplementary Series V Indexes (these cover literature published 1960-79). If your substance is acyclic or isocyclic, skip this step, since UCSD does not own the data

file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/User/Desk...eilstein/USING%20THE%20BEILSTEIN%20HANDBOOK.htm (3 of 16) [8/29/2007 1:05:11 AM]

USING THE BEILSTEIN HANDBOOK

volumes for this time period. 1. If you do not know the exact name for your substance, use the Formula Index.

Look under molecular formula in Hill order) as shown in the first sample entry. 2. Otherwise use the Compound-Name Index as shown in the second sample entry. 3. If you found nothing about your substance in the Beilstein Centennial Index, use the

information on the last page of this handout to classify your substance and find appropriate volume number.

Important:

● Derivatives will appear under the parent name. ● Use an English-German dictionary if necessary to confirm the German chemical name of your

compound when using the Beilstein Centennial Index: QD 5 .W565 1992, S&E Reference. Dictionary of chemistry: English/German.

EXAMPLE -- Carbazol (Carbazole) -- C12H9N

I.A. Beilstein Centennial Index :

The Centennial Formula Index shows there is information on carbazole in 4 different Beilstein series volumes:

● Basic series, , vol . 20, p. 433 ● 1st Supplement, vol. 20, p. 162 ● 2nd Supplement, vol. 20, p. 279 ● 4th Supplements vol. 20, p. 3824 (the book spine actually reads: 3. and 4., vol. 20/6)

I.A.1. General-Formelregister (Formula Index) entry:

This sample entry of the Centennial Formula Index points out the 4 Beilstein series volumes with information on Carbazole:

file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/User/Desk...eilstein/USING%20THE%20BEILSTEIN%20HANDBOOK.htm (4 of 16) [8/29/2007 1:05:11 AM]

USING THE BEILSTEIN HANDBOOK

I.A.2. General-Sachregister (Name Index) entry:

This sample entry of the Centennial Name Index also points out the same 4 Beilstein series volumes:

I.B. Beilstein Supplementary Series V Indexes:

● If you found information on your substance in the Beilstein Centennial Index in Step A, make sure to use the same volume number in this indexes: in this example, volume 20 (heterocyclic

file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/User/Desk...eilstein/USING%20THE%20BEILSTEIN%20HANDBOOK.htm (5 of 16) [8/29/2007 1:05:11 AM]

USING THE BEILSTEIN HANDBOOK

compound without functional groups). ● If you had found no information on your substance in the Beilstein Centennial Index, you would

go to the last page of this handout to find the proper volume number for your substance, based on its chemical structure.

I.B.1. Formula Index entry:

This sample entry in the 5th Supplement Formula Index shows there is information on carbazole in:

● 5th Supplement, volume 20, Part 8, page 9

I.B.2. Compound-Name Index entry:

The 5th Supplement Compound-Name Index directs you to the same entry for your substance.

file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/User/Desk...eilstein/USING%20THE%20BEILSTEIN%20HANDBOOK.htm (6 of 16) [8/29/2007 1:05:11 AM]

USING THE BEILSTEIN HANDBOOK

Hints for Using Beilstein:

● Beilstein is organized by structure: the characteristics of your chemical structure determine which volume you need to use to find the information on your substance.

● Beilstein follows the principle of latest systematic entry: Even if an isocyclic compound has some acyclic structural elements it is classed with the isocyclics.

● The volume number and system number for your substance always remain the same. ● Tables in the front of the first volume for the Basic Series and the Supplements list the full names

of the journals and in the early (H - E II) parts give you the year your article was published. ● Use markers such as B (preparation) or Kp (boiling point) to find the section of the text that

contains the information you need.

Part II -- The Data Volumes:

● Use a German-English chemical dictionary to translate unfamiliar words: QD 5 P3 1992 S&E Reference.

Using the volume/page information you got from the Beilstein Centennial Index and the Beilstein Supplementary Series V Indexes in Part I, find the books you need on the Science Reference shelves.

file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/User/Desk...eilstein/USING%20THE%20BEILSTEIN%20HANDBOOK.htm (7 of 16) [8/29/2007 1:05:11 AM]

USING THE BEILSTEIN HANDBOOK

II.A. The Basic Series and Supplementary Series I-IV data entries:

II.A.1. Basic series entry data entry:

In the Basic series entry (433 d), you find basic chemical data and corresponding references to the literature for years up to 1910. Check this partial list of journal title abbreviations.

file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/User/Desk...eilstein/USING%20THE%20BEILSTEIN%20HANDBOOK.htm (8 of 16) [8/29/2007 1:05:11 AM]

USING THE BEILSTEIN HANDBOOK

II.A.2. 4th Supplement data entry:

In the 4th Supplement entry (IV 3824), you find updated information for 1930-59, including occurrence, preparation, properties, etc. Notice that each volume number may have several part numbers too (20/6, in this example). The volume number and part number appear on the spine or inside the cover of each physical volume on the shelf. Notice also that on the shelf, this substance is in the section marked Erg. III/IV since it appears in the volume range 17-26. Beilstein combined supplementary series III and IV for these volumes.

file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/User/Desk...eilstein/USING%20THE%20BEILSTEIN%20HANDBOOK.htm (9 of 16) [8/29/2007 1:05:11 AM]

USING THE BEILSTEIN HANDBOOK

NOTE: We have shown only 2 of the 4 entries containing information on Carbazole in the Main Series and Supplements I-IV. There are 2 additional entries not shown for space reasons.

II.B. 5th Supplement data entry:

In the 5th Supplement entry (V 9), you find updated information for 1960-79, including preparation, physical properties, etc., in English with date and literature references. Remember that there are 2 additional entries in Supplements I and II.

file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/User/Desk...eilstein/USING%20THE%20BEILSTEIN%20HANDBOOK.htm (10 of 16) [8/29/2007 1:05:11 AM]

USING THE BEILSTEIN HANDBOOK

Beilstein Aids:

● Beilstein Dictionary German-English, S&E Reference, next to the Handbook. ● How to Use Beilstein, S&E Reference, next to the Handbook. ● Huntress, Ernest. A Brief Introduction to the Use of Beilstein's Handbuch der organischen

Chemie. 2nd ed., QD 251 B422a, S&E Reference. ● Sunkel, J., E. Hoffman, and R. Luckenbach. "Straightforward Procedure for Locating Chemical

Compounds in the Beilstein Handbook," Journal of Chemical Education, v58, n12, Dec. 1981, QD 1 J821, S&E Stacks.

● Weissbach, Oskar. The Beilstein Guide: a manual for the use of Beilstein's Handbuch der organischen Chemie, QD 251 B43 W4413, S&E Reference.

Selected Journal Abbreviations Used by Beilstein: (in H -- E IV)*

A complete list of abbreviations used in the Beilstein Handbook is in the first volume of each series. The following lists the most frequently used journal abbreviations and the journal call number in the S&E Library.

file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/User/Desk...eilstein/USING%20THE%20BEILSTEIN%20HANDBOOK.htm (11 of 16) [8/29/2007 1:05:11 AM]

USING THE BEILSTEIN HANDBOOK

Brief Glossary of Beilstein Terms and Abbreviations:

file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/User/Desk...eilstein/USING%20THE%20BEILSTEIN%20HANDBOOK.htm (12 of 16) [8/29/2007 1:05:11 AM]

USING THE BEILSTEIN HANDBOOK

CONTENTS OF THE 27 VOLUMES OF BEILSTEIN

Use this table to classify your compound and thereby determine the volume number in which you may find information about this compound and chemically related compounds.

file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/User/Desk...eilstein/USING%20THE%20BEILSTEIN%20HANDBOOK.htm (13 of 16) [8/29/2007 1:05:11 AM]

USING THE BEILSTEIN HANDBOOK

file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/User/Desk...eilstein/USING%20THE%20BEILSTEIN%20HANDBOOK.htm (14 of 16) [8/29/2007 1:05:11 AM]

USING THE BEILSTEIN HANDBOOK

file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/User/Desk...eilstein/USING%20THE%20BEILSTEIN%20HANDBOOK.htm (15 of 16) [8/29/2007 1:05:11 AM]

USING THE BEILSTEIN HANDBOOK

Last revised September 27, 1995. Send comments to kwhitley@ucsd.edu, Science and Engineering Library, University of California, San Diego.

file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/User/Desk...eilstein/USING%20THE%20BEILSTEIN%20HANDBOOK.htm (16 of 16) [8/29/2007 1:05:11 AM]