Sources for Chemical and Physical Properties of Substances
Compilations of chemical and physical properties are often found in secondary sources in the literature, such as handbooks like the CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, reference books like Organic solvents: physical properties and methods of purification, web resources and databases. However, it is useful to note that science database searching is far more powerful than it was in the past, so that the need for specialized reference books has greatly diminished.
CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics – Electronic access via https://library.princeton.edu/resource/3825
NIST Chemistry WebBook Access - https://webbook.nist.gov/chemistry/
This site provides thermochemical, thermophysical, and ion energetics data compiled by NIST under the Standard Reference Data Program. Only includes roughly 3000 0f the most common chemical compounds.
Material Safety Datasheets Access - https://hazard.com//msds/index.php
MSDSs can be a place to find basic property information as well as safety data.
REAXYS – for property info Access https://library.princeton.edu/resource/title/reaxys
Once you have conducted your search, limit to your specific compound, then navigate through the hit set via the facet limiters on the left of the screen.
SciFinder – for property info Access – https://library.princeton.edu/resource/4683
In the record for a chemical compound, look for a link to Experimental Properties OR Predicted Properties. CAS Registry number search will get you to your compound faster. You can also do a natural language for your compound and the property you want “formaldehyde and melting point”.
