Is there still a reason to search for organic compounds and reactions in Beilstein?
Yes. SciFinder and Beilstein are complementary resources, and although there is some overlap the two are quite different in the ways they scan and index the literature, the ways they register compounds and index reactions, and in the dates they cover. Beilstein offers physicochemical data, preparation/reaction references, and coverage of older (pre-1960) journal literature. SciFinder offers very thorough coverage of the literature and patents from 1967 forward and comprehensive registration of all types of chemical compounds and structures. CAS also scans far more journals than Beilstein does now. As a rule of thumb, start with SciFinder for substances reported after 1967 and reactions after 1985; start with Beilstein for substances and reactions reported before 1960. Use both for the middle period of 1960-1985. Organic and medicinal chemists should routinely consult both databases for the most complete coverage of organic compounds and reactions. See a comparison chart for side-by-sid
