The HSHSL has trial access to Reaxys, a chemistry research platform, from Nov. 2-30. We encourage you to explore Reaxys and share your feedback, especially if you currently use SciFinder. Your input will help us evaluate the database.

Please complete our feedback form by Nov. 30 to share your experience with Reaxys and SciFinder.

What is Reaxys?

Reaxys brings together experimental chemistry data from journals, patents, and the Beilstein and Gmelin handbooks in one searchable platform. You can search by structure, substructure, name, property or reaction to find substances, reactions, synthesis procedures and physical property data. Results link back to their original sources.

How to Get Started

Access Reaxys through the HSHSL database list. Training resources are available to help you get started.

Note: To access the predictive retrosynthesis tool, log in to Reaxys using your Elsevier account.

Explore Reaxys Features

Target and Bioactivity Data

Reaxys includes a large medicinal chemistry collection with more than 50 million bioactivity data points across tens of thousands of biological targets. You can:

• Search by target or by compound. Find every substance tested against a target, such as compounds with IC50 or Ki values against a specific enzyme. Or start from a molecule and see its full activity profile.
• Compare results across studies. Reaxys converts measurements into a single pX value, so data from different assays, papers and patents can be compared directly. Each pX value links to the original experimental data.
• Use ready-made search forms. Forms cover common questions like target affinity, selectivity profiles, hERG inhibition, Caco-2 permeability and blood–brain barrier penetration.
• Export for analysis. You can download activity tables for structure–activity relationship (SAR) studies and lead optimization.

Predictive Retrosynthesis, powered by Iktos

The trial includes Reaxys Predictive Retrosynthesis, an AI tool built with Iktos and trained on Reaxys’ reaction database. You draw a target molecule, and the tool suggests synthesis routes that work backward to starting materials you can buy.

• Practical routes. It handles stereochemistry, flags steps where regioselectivity is uncertain and builds in protecting-group strategies.
• You set the limits. Choose the route length, which bonds to break, which intermediates to include or exclude, and caps on starting-material price and shipping time.
• Fast, sourced results. Routes usually arrive in minutes. Each one comes with literature references and experimental procedures, so you can check a suggested step against published work.

It’s useful for planning syntheses, judging whether a new compound can realistically be made, and teaching retrosynthetic thinking.

Questions or Feedback?

If you have questions, please email Emily Gorman.

Have you tried Reaxys? Share your feedback by Nov. 30 to help inform the library’s evaluation.