A Text Search System Using Boolean Strategies for the Identification of Infrared Spectra

• Published in: Journal of chemical information and computer sciences Vol. 15; no. 4; pp. 207 - 212
• Main Authors: Woodruff, H. B, Lowry, S. R, Isenhour, T. L
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: American Chemical Society 01.11.1975
• Subjects: American Society for Testing and Materials; Computerised information retrieval; Computerized information storage and retrieval; Computerized subject indexing; Information storage and retrieval; Information work; Infra red spectra; Minicomputer System; North Carolina; Searching; Spectra; Subject indexing; Technical services
• ISSN: 0095-2338; 1520-5142
• DOI: 10.1021/ci60004a004

Presents the application of general text searching concepts (including truncation and Boolean logic) to searching the ASTM file of 91,875 infrared spectra. A text-oriented search allows information supplemental to peak positions and intensities to be included in the search input. Some examples include the compound name or fragments thereof, molecular formula information,and chemical functionality information. In addition, the system is useful for studies other than the conventional technique of searching a library file for the closest match to an unknown spectrum. One can readily obtain a specific subset of spectra for further study by pattern recognition or statistical techniques using this system.