Chemistry Database Comparison
There are several chemistry databases available online. Here's how CompoundLookup compares to the major players.
PubChem
What it is: The world's largest free chemistry database, maintained by NIH.
Strengths: - Comprehensive data (100+ million compounds) - Detailed compound properties - Bioassay data - Free and authoritative
Limitations: - Requires exact formula or name - No element-based search - Can be overwhelming for beginners
Best for: Detailed research when you know exactly what compound you're looking for.
ChemSpider
What it is: Royal Society of Chemistry's database with integrated data sources.
Strengths: - Aggregates multiple databases - Good structure search - Property predictions
Limitations: - Requires formula or structure - No element-based search - Some features require registration
Best for: Structure-based searches and property predictions.
CompoundLookup
What it is: The world's first element-based compound search engine.
Strengths: - Search by selecting elements (unique!) - No formula knowledge required - Intuitive periodic table interface - Perfect for exploration and learning
Limitations: - Less detailed property data - Links to PubChem for full details - Database still growing
Best for: Discovering compounds, learning chemistry, initial research when you don't know the formula.
When to Use Each Tool
| Use Case | Best Tool |
|---|---|
| Know the exact formula | PubChem |
| Have a structure drawing | ChemSpider |
| Want to explore element combinations | CompoundLookup |
| Need detailed bioassay data | PubChem |
| Learning chemistry | CompoundLookup |
| Quick compound discovery | CompoundLookup |
The CompoundLookup Advantage
The key differentiator is simple: no other tool lets you search by elements.
Traditional workflow: 1. Wonder what compounds C and N form 2. Search "carbon nitrogen compounds" on Google 3. Find scattered, incomplete information 4. Manually search each formula in PubChem
CompoundLookup workflow: 1. Click C, click N 2. See ALL carbon-nitrogen compounds instantly
We're not replacing PubChem or ChemSpider—we're filling a gap they can't fill. Use CompoundLookup for discovery, then click through to PubChem for detailed data.