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Chemistry & Chemical Engineering: Key databases

Searching the key databases

For a comprehensive search of the research literature use one or more of the key databases (below).

The databases will provide information about articles and papers, but often they do not include the PDFs of the articles. You can use the QConnect service to link to the full-text of articles and papers in the library's subscriptions.

Please note: The key databases cover many more items than are included in the Library's subscriptions. If you find a paper which you cannot access online because the library doesn't subscribe to it, you may be able to request a copy via the Inter-Library Loans service.

Key databases for chemistry and chemical engineering

SciFindern

SciFindern is an extensive database of chemical literature. Use it to find journal articles and patent records, as well as chemical substances and reactions. You can search by topic, author, or substances by name. Alternatively, use the editor to draw chemical structures, substructures, or reactions. Produced by Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS)

Please note: You must register for a personal SciFindern account. Please use a computer on the Queen's University network to complete the registration. Alternatively, use the following link and sign in with your QUB ID card details, prior to registering your account:

Register: SciFindern account registration link

Access SciFindern

Help and support:

Further help and user guides:

Scopus

Scopus is the world's largest bibliographic and citation database. It covers nearly 20,000 academic journals from chemistry, chemical engineering and other science and engineering subjects. Scopus is great for finding up to date academic journal articles and conference papers. It is a good complement to the Web of Science database.

Access Scopus

The makers of Scopus provide a range of online video tutorials explaining the features and functionality of this database, including:

Web of Science

The Web of Science is an extensive bibliographic and citation database. It covers key academic journals from chemistry, chemical engineering and other science and engineering subjects. The Web of Science is a great source of information on academic journal articles and conference papers. It is a good complement to Scopus.

Access Web of Science

Web of Science Core Collection: Quick Reference Guide (PDF)

The makers of Web of Science provide a range of video tutorials on YouTube, explaining the features and functionality of this database, including:

Ei Compendex Backfile (1884 to 1969)

The Ei Compendex Backfile is useful when you need to find older journal articles and conference papers, which were published between 1884 and 1969. It covers all areas of engineering and includes papers which are not listed in Scopus or the Web of Science. Search Scopus or the Web of Science if you need to find more recent papers.

Access Ei Compendex Backfile via the Engineering Village platform (tick the Ei Backfile box)

Other databases which you may find useful:

The library subscribes to a range of business databases which can be useful when you need to research commercial aspects of chemistry or chemical engineering:

Business Source Premier provides access to articles from more than 2,000 business journals and it also includes case studies, company information, SWOT analyses and market research literature. PDFs of many indexed sources are available for download.

Access Business Source Premier


ABI/Inform Global is a comprehensive business database providing access to a wide range of journals and working paper series. PDFs of many indexed sources are available for download.

Access ABI/Inform Global


Global Data Explorer / Explorer is a cross-sector platform offering macroeconomic data and information on thousands of companies. It can be useful if you need to find coverage of global trends that are shaping the chemical industry and impacting companies.
 

Accessing Databases

Many of the resources on this page are subscription databases.

On-campus, students and staff will usually have free guest user access.

To access databases from off-campus:

  • Always use links from the QUB Library web pages, Library Search or the Databases A-Z list. This will allow you to sign in for remote access.
  • A Queen's authentication screen will open for all off-campus access
  • Enter your Queen's University ID card number and password to sign in

Other recommended databases

Please note: the EThOS service is currently unavailable due to a cyber-attack.

Need help?

Contact your subject librarian Irene Bittles (email: i.bittles@qub.ac.uk ; tel: 028 9097 6277) or have a look at the library's E-Resource access and troubleshooting guide