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Beilstein Crossfire


new Try out the new Reaxys Web interface to Beilstein and Gmelin data!

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Beilstein Crossfire is a client-server system that provides campus users access to the Beilstein organic chemistry database, which contains structures and data for more than ten million carbon compounds and more than ten million organic reactions. It is searchable by chemical structure/substructure, property data, and identification information.

The client software used to access Beilstein is called Crossfire Commander. You may obtain Commander free of charge via the link below. Commander is also available on workstations in the Chemistry Library. Elsevier plans to retire the Commander client and Crossfire system at the end of 2010. Users are advised to migrate to its web-based successor, Reaxys.

Use of Beilstein Crossfire outside the library is restricted to currently enrolled students and currently appointed faculty and staff at the University of Texas at Austin. Your computer must have a UT-Austin IP address.

CrossFire Commander Software: download now

(UT EID Required. If your EID is refused permission to enter the download area, please contact the Chemistry Library.)

Documentation and Help

Frequently Asked Questions

For more information on database content, see also the FAQ for Reaxys.

Where can I access Crossfire?
The Crossfire client software, called Crossfire Commander, is installed on workstations in the Chemistry Library. The client is also free to install on your computer, as long as you are connecting from on campus.

Where can I get the software?
For now you can download it via our download link (UT EID required). Note that Elsevier plans to retire the Commander client and end access in December 2010.

I can't get to the download page with my EID.
Your EID may not have adequate permissions. Contact the Chemistry Librarian for assistance.

What operating systems does it run on?
The final version of Commander (7.1) is available for Windows XP and Vista only.

Is there a Mac version?
No. The only Mac option is to run the Windows client under Parallels Desktop for Mac or Mac's Boot Camp. The new Reaxys web version works fine on Macs.

I have the software installed, but I can't get it to connect.
Initiate the login by clicking the Connect button. If this doesn't result in a live connection to the server, there's probably a configuration problem. Be sure that UT's Group Name (Options menu), Login ID, and password are entered into the software configuration. Contact the Chemistry Librarian if the problem persists.

Do I need my own password?
No, but you must configure the installation with the appropriate UT-Austin group name, userid, and password, which are provided on the Crossfire information page (EID required). This information can then be saved in your software so that you don't have to re-enter it every time you log in. When you close the program, check the box that says "Automatically connect to the current server for the next session".

Can I access it from home?
No. The Commander client connection can't be proxied, so you can't use it via a third-party internet provider or by VPN. You have to have a UT-Austin IP address.

Why won't it launch the Structure Editor?
Make sure that the default structure editor is set to "Crossfire Structure Editor" under the Options/Structure Editor menu. This will tell Commander to use its internal structure editor from then on. If you would prefer to use ISISDraw, you can download this program free from MDL/Symyx (registration required). You can also download Symyx Draw (formerly MDL Draw) at the Commander download site.

Does Commander link to full text of journals?
Version 7.1 offers a feature where you enter a link resolver URL during initial set-up. This allows the Full Text button next to a citation in View Results to direct you to UT's in-house e-journal database, which will determine whether we have electronic access to the article in question. If we do, you can link right to it. If we don't, you'll get a link to the Library Catalog to do an ISSN search for the printed journal. These links don't always work perfectly, but they help. When prompted during installation, enter this URL: http://sfx.lib.utexas.edu:9003/sfx_local

How often is the database updated?
New records are added to the Crossfire database quarterly (four times a year). Reaxys is updated more frequently.

Can I import Beilstein references into EndNote?
Yes. (Beilstein/Gmelin citations do not include abstracts and often cite only the specific page containing a particular data point, and not starting and ending pages.
  1. Search for compound facts, structure or reactions.
  2. From each hit in results, view citations using "Get" drop down and choosing "Get all related citations".
  3. Choose "Export Hits" and then "Procite/EndNote/Reference Manager" and save as ascii text file.
  4. Open EndNote. Select your EndNote Library.
  5. Go to File/Import.
  6. Under "Import Data File," select the text file you just saved.
  7. Under "Import Options" select "Reference Manager (RIS)"
  8. Click import and your references should import automatically.