Beilstein/Gmelin Introduction
About Beilstein and Gmelin
Beilstein CrossFire (organic) and Gmelin CrossFire (inorganic) databases provide property and reaction data and literature references for millions of chemical substances. They are an excellent source of references for spectra, properties, and reactions of chemical substances.
How to Connect
The two databases are available to UM campus computers using MDL/Beilstein Commander software to connect to the Beilstein academic server at the University of Wisconsin. Pick one (or both) of two methods:
- use/install UM Library Terminal Services version of Beilstein - this is the pre-installed method on UM library computers. Also required for authenticated remote/off-campus UM use, and for native Macintosh OSX use.
- download Beilstein Commander software and obtain needed UMich-specific installation passwords (UM Library authentication required) for use with UM on-campus Windows/Mac computers. This Commander software works ONLY on-campus (see above Terminal Services version for off-campus use). Note: Version 7 for Windows is available as of September 2004. Version 6 continues to work on both Windows and Macs. Version 6 was the last version produced for Macs (OSX classic mode). NOTE: as of July 2008, we are experiencing intermittent connection issues with Commander version 6. On-campus users are strongly encouraged to download and install Commander 7 for best results.
How to Use Beilstein
Tutorials are available to introduce you to use of Beilstein. You may use these on their own, or have them open while practicing a search in Beilstein at the same time.
You may search Beilstein or Gmelin by
- chemical structure: including substructures, stereochemistry, isotopic labels
- chemical reaction: specify products, starting materials, bonds made/broken
- keyword: including chemical names, formulas, registry numbers, melting point range, etc.
Email the University of Michigan Beilstein/Gmelin Site Administrator: samarti@umich.edu.
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