The Inorganic Crystal Structure Database on CD-ROM

Inorganic Crystal Structure Database (ICSD) is a comprehensive compilation of crystal structure data of inorganic compounds. All information is taken from the original sources and checked to assure accuracy. The literature is up-to-date and complete since 1915. As of July 1992, ICSD contains about 35,000 entries. It is updated with approximately 1,200 new entries per year. ICSD includes crystallographic data (e.g., unit cell dimensions, space group, atomic coordinates, site occupation, thermal parameters) and bibliographic information.

The ICSD is available on a magnetic tape for mainframe computers (IBM, VAX), via telecommunication link by interactive on-line access to the STN International hosts or as a PC version on CD-ROM. A new CD-ROM update of the ICSD to be released in 1993 includes menu-driven retrieval software, replacing the old command language CRYSTIN. A graphic software program allows the generation of 3D drawings of all structures stored in the database. This includes infinite structure units, which can automatically be drawn using a special computer algorithm. Moreover, the menu-driven PC program facilitates:

• smooth rotation, translation, and scaling of structures
• color coding for atomic number, charge, and site occupancy
• different atom displays (ball-and-stick, wire models, and stereo pairs)
• interactive measurement of atomic distances and angles
• print out of user-defined 3D views (on printers or PCX/TIFF files)

Automatic conversion of other data formats (e.g., from Cambridge Structure Database, CSD, or SHELX-files) is also possible. For more information contact: FACHINFORMATIONSZENTRUM KARLSRUHE D-7514 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, PO Box 2465, P. Luksch, Tel.: 49 7247808253; FAX: 497247808666 or GMELIN INSTITUTE, D-6000 Frankfurt, 90, Germany, Varrentrappstr. 40-42, A. Kirchhoff, Tel.: 49 697917578; FAX: 49 697917338.