SYNthesis LIBrary, an expert system for chemical‐reaction knowledge‐base management

Abstract

Abstract SYNLIB (SYNthesis LIBrary) is an expert system which allows laboratory scientists to rapidly and interactively search databases of chemical reaction information. SYNLIB is fully supported on personal computer and RISC workstation platforms and requires minimal computer expertise on the part of the chemist. By encouraging hands‐on access to information, SYNLIB allows complex chemical synthesis concepts to be presented directly to the practicing laboratory scientist. SYNLIB searching enables the user to query chemical reaction knowledge bases for matches to combinations of structural and non‐structural chemical questions. We discuss the design considerations for expert systems specifically for chemists and present an analysis of the chemical‐reaction information available from the published literature. A search for the formation chemistry of functionalized α,β‐unsaturated ketones is used to illustrate the search strategies available.