Q: I am browsing a printed issue or index of Chemical Abstracts, and I found a CA abstract number. How do I find the reference associated with that abstract number on STN and SciFinder?
A: The format of CA abstract numbers has changed over time. As a result, the methods used to find these references using SciFinder and STN will vary.
CA Abstract Numbers for references from 1967-present:
- Unique
- Include the volume of CA followed by a colon and abstract number with a check digit. Example: 151:24562c
Searching and displaying CA Abstract Numbers from 1967-present:
| Method | STN | SciFinder |
| Search | Omit the check digit and search in the Document Number field.
S 151:245626/DN |
Explore references by document identifier: 151:245626 |
| Display | AN 2009:845525 CAPLUS DN 151:245626 |
Accession Number 2009:845525 CAN 151:245626 CAPLUS |
CA Abstract Numbers for references prior to 1967:
- Not unique
- Include the volume of CA followed by a colon and column number and column fraction letter representing the position of the abstract on the printed page. Example: 65:3705e
Searching and displaying CA Abstract Numbers prior to 1967:
| Method | STN | SciFinder |
| Search | Search in the /OREF (Original Reference) field.
S 65:3705E/OREF |
Explore references only by document identifier: 65:20186
Cannot explore using CA reference numbers. |
| Display | AN 1966:420186 CAPLUS DN 65:20186 OREF 65:3705e-f |
Accession Number 1966:420186 CAN 65:20186 CAPLUS |
Q: Can I dispose of my Chemical Abstracts Print collection?
A: While CAS cannot recommend to former CA Print customers what to do with your printed collections, we would like to provide you with any details necessary to make an informed decision. When determining whether to retain all or part of your CA Print collection, consider the kind of usage your CA Print gets, as well as your current and future access to other CAS products such as SciFinder or STN. All information found in CA Print is available in its entirety in CA/CAplus, which can be accessed through either STN or SciFinder.