The University of St. Thomas

Encyclopedias

Encyclopedias

    Chemical encyclopedias summarize and filter the chemistry literature to provide you with concise and pertinent information.  While they are too general in scope for those advanced in the field, they are very good starting points for background information. Another advantage of encyclopedias is that they usually have an extensive bibliography that is  likely to be useful for finding out more detailed information. Chemical encyclopedias tend to focus more on applications (reaction methods and syntheses) as opposed to abstract theory.

 

Encyclopedia of Analytical Chemistry: applications, theory, and instrumentation  
Ref. QD 71.5 E52 2000
     There are  over 600 peer-reviewed  articles, arranged alphabetically by topic,  in 15 volumes featuring:

Article Summaries
Over 6500 illustrations, many in color
Extensive cross-referencing to facilitate navigation between articles
Extensive bibliographies with up-to-date references 
The chemistry and techniques are described as performed in the laboratory (environmental, clinical, QC, research, university), in the field or by remote sensing. The level of detail is similar to that of a lab protocol and together with the cited references, will support the analysis of complex inorganic, organic and biological structures by academic and industrial researchers. Encyclopedia of Analytical Chemistry also enables preparation of procedures, protocols and "cookbooks" by managers and staff of laboratories

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Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology  (Also known as Kirk-Othmer)    
Ref. TP 9 .E685 1992
     Features 800 articles  by recognized experts in the areas of chemical technology. The27-volume encyclopedia  includes: CAS registry numbers, over 5,000
photos, charts, graphs, figures and tables, in-depth up-to-date (1990s) information on regulations, patents and licensing.  Supplement published in 1998.

 
 
Encyclopedia of Inorganic Chemistry  
Ref. QD 148 .E53 1994
    Examines the six major areas of inorganic chemistry: physical and theoretical methods, organometallic chemistry, main group elements, solid state chemistry, transition metals and bioinorganic chemistry. Provides in-depth coverage for each of the 260 main articles and also over 850 shorter definitions. Contains comprehensive cross-referencing as well as lists of related articles for further reading. Extensively illustrated, it provides an introduction to each article, making the encyclopedia easy to use.

 
 
Encyclopedia of Regents for Organic Synthesis
Ref. QD77 .E53 1995
     Reagent: defined as "an agent or a combination or agents which with some generality effects the transformation of a substrate into a product".  There are  3500 entries listed alphabetically by IUPAC name.  Entries  include a comparison of reagents with others capable of similar chemistry and pro and con assessment for each reagent.
Entries contain:

Structure; CAS Registry number; Molecular formula; Molecular weight; Physical data; Solubility data; Form supplied in ; Purification; Handling, storage and precautions; Reactions (described in detail); Related reagents; and a Bibliography

Indexes:
Subject (includes type of reaction, named reactions, named reagents, general or specific substrates or products);
Formula;
Reagent structural class (e.g., hydrides);
Reagent function (e.g., alkylating agents) 


Macmillan Encyclopedia of Chemistry
Ref. QD 4 .M33 1997
     Non-specialized general chemistry encyclopedia that offers brief to in-depth articles including key ideas in the field,  chemists and their contributions, and common chemical substances.  Contents arranged alphabetically but also includes a synoptic listing.  A useful entry on literature searching guides users to more comprehensive sources.  A four volume set containing signed articles with bibliographies.

 
 
Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry   
Ref. TP 9 .U57 1985
    Brings together  state of scientific and technological knowledge in all areas of industrial chemistry. This reference work is fully international in scope and
coverage.  It contains about 1000 major articles, written by almost 3,000 authors who are experts in their fields and affiliated to leading chemical companies or research institutes. There are more than 16 million words, about 10,000 tables, 30,000 figures,  and innumerable literature sources and cross-references. Subject areas include:

Inorganic and organic chemicals
Advanced materials
Pharmaceuticals
Polymers and plastics
Metals and alloys
Biotechnology and biotechnological products
Food chemistry
Process engineering and unit operations
Analytical methods
Environmental protection, etc.

 For each chemical substance, information on physical and chemical properties, production, applications, economic data, toxicology and occupational health is given. The chemical substances that are described in detail range from raw materials via bulk products to fine and specialty chemicals. Relevant patent information is given wherever available

EMB
August 29th, 2006