[Messi]

Hi guys,

Just wondering how you academics search for reactions? Do you use Sci-Finder? I tried using their "Explore Reactions" tool, but it doesn't seem too useful..

[curiouscat]

Try Beilstein which is now Reaxys.

Also try general searches on ISI Web of Science.

[fledarmus]

It might have to do with how you are visualizing your search. I've been fairly happy with SciFinder. What problems did you encounter?

[easyorganic]

We used Beilstein when I was in industry.  I now use Scifinder.

[Messi]

It might have to do with how you are visualizing your search. I've been fairly happy with SciFinder. What problems did you encounter?

I am simply not finding what I am looking for. I am simply looking for a 1-alkyne reacting with a primary amine and sulfur. Any amine, and any 1-alkyne! I can't seem to find anything relevant.. How can I search for just a 1-alkyne and not a specific alkyne. Or how can I search for a primary amine, not a specific primary amine.

[discodermolide]

As far as I remember from SciFinder you can do substructure searches and define substructures within a reaction. In their drawing window there is a button which lets you define R groups up to 3 different categories per R group. You can also place Q atoms and A atoms within the structure you are looking for.
Substructure searching is quite difficult and you need a fair amount of practice as you are liable to get a lot of unwanted hits out if you make your definitions too broad.

[fledarmus]

The easiest way I've found to search for 1-alkynes or primary amines, or anything along those lines, is to specify hydrogens. If you draw a bond to hydrogen from the end of your triple bond, or bonds to two hydrogens from your nitrogen, it will look specifically for those limited structures.

I believe there is also a way to pick specific atoms as reactive centers, meaning they need to change during the reaction, but I've usually found it easier to do a second search with the unchanged structure on the product side, and subtract those results from the first list.

[Messi]

Awesome suggestions. I'll give it a try when I am on campus!

[Dan]

I find Reaxys much more intuitive and user friendly, I use it on a daily basis.

Scifinder is a more extensive database, but takes a bit more learning to get the hang of. I only use it if I need a very thorough literature search.

If your uni has Scifinder it probably has Reaxys - I think Reaxys is substantially cheaper.

[orgopete]

I second reaccs. We had it in industry and I really liked it. SciFinder is less discriminatory and therefore more difficult to find a gem. I often browsed through large hit lists to find the novel reaction.

I was using SciFinder to exploit other advantages than reaction or reaction conditions.