The Organic Spectral Database or SDBS is a vital online database in organic chemistry, particularly for people working in spectroscopy or identification via spectroscopic techniques as a route to establishing molecular structure. The database SDBS is hosted by the Japan National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) and is publicly available and well established by researchers, educators and scientists that rely on spectral data. SDBS is a primary resource that provides users with an extensive, credible collection of spectra that is beneficial to anyone working with or finding a structure or any type of structural determination or analysis. What follows will outline the attributes and characteristics that will help you determine why SDBS is such a valuable resource in organic spectroscopy.
What Is the SDBS Organic Spectral Database (Spectral Database for Organic Compounds)?
The Spectral Database for Organic Compounds (SDBS) is a comprehensive, publicly available repository that provides high-quality spectral data for thousands of organic molecules. It includes:
- Mass Spectrometry (MS)
- 1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (HNMR)
- 13C Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (CNMR)
- Infrared Spectra (IR)
- Raman Spectra
- Electron Spin Resonance (ESR)
As of today, the database includes over 34,000 organic compounds and is regularly updated. It is designed for open access, with no registration or subscription fees required.
To explore the full capabilities of the Organic Spectral Database (SDBS), including access to high-quality IR, NMR, MS, and Raman spectra, visit the official platform here: Access the SDBS database by AIST.
Why the SDBS Organic Spectral Database Matters for Organic Chemists
The SDBS is more than just a data repository—it’s a critical decision-making tool. Here’s why it stands out:
1. High-Quality, Peer-Reviewed Data
All entries are curated by experts at AIST and are manually checked for accuracy. This means the data is more reliable than what’s often found in crowdsourced databases.
2. Multimodal Spectra for Comprehensive Analysis
Few databases offer such a wide variety of spectral types in one place. This is particularly helpful when cross-verifying a compound’s structure using more than one spectroscopic method.
3. Real-World Application in Labs and Classrooms
Whether you’re performing forensic analysis, pharmaceutical research, or chemical education, the SDBS database can be a go-to reference.
How to Use the SDBS Organic Spectral Database: A Step-by-Step Guide
H2: Navigating the Interface
The SDBS search interface may look dated, but it’s extremely functional. Here’s what you can do:
- Search by Compound Name (e.g., benzene)
- Search by Molecular Formula (e.g., C6H6)
- Use Wildcards (%, * for broader queries)
- Search by CAS Registry Number
- Filter by Spectrum Type
H3: Understanding the Search Results
Each result includes the following metadata:
- SDBS No.
- Molecular Formula
- Molecular Weight
- Spectral Data (MS, CNMR, HNMR, IR, Raman, ESR)
- Compound Name
Clicking on the SDBS No. will take you to a detailed view, including high-resolution spectral graphs, metadata, and downloadable data where available.
H3: Practical Example — Benzaldehyde
Let’s say you are analyzing a compound suspected to be benzaldehyde. You can:
- Go to the SDBS main page.
- Enter “C7H6O” as the Molecular Formula.
- Click the corresponding SDBS No.
- Review the 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, IR, and MS spectra.
From here, you can confirm the identity by comparing your lab-acquired spectra with the reference data.
Advantages of the SDBS Organic Spectral Database Over Other Spectral Databases
1. Free and Open Access
Unlike commercial databases (such as SciFinder or Wiley), the SDBS is completely free. This makes it ideal for students, independent researchers, and institutions with limited funding.
2. Detailed Spectrum Presentation
Each dataset is visualized with clear graphs and peak annotations, making it easier to interpret even for those new to spectroscopy.
3. Export and Integration
Spectral data can be exported for use in laboratory reports or integrated into other research tools, enhancing your overall workflow.
Limitations and Caveats
While the SDBS is powerful, it’s not without limitations:
- Limited Compound Coverage: Focuses primarily on small organic molecules.
- Interface Usability: Navigation and filtering could be modernized.
- Spectral Conditions: Not all entries specify solvent, temperature, or sample purity.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of the SDBS Organic Spectral Database
- Use wildcards (%, * ) if you’re unsure of the full molecular formula or compound name.
- Bookmark the FAQ section for quick troubleshooting: SDBS FAQ
- For classroom use, pre-select SDBS No. entries relevant to your curriculum.
Who Uses the SDBS Organic Spectral Database?
- Academic Researchers: For spectral verification in publications.
- Students: For lab assignments and structural elucidation exercises.
- Industry Chemists: For quality control and compound validation.
- Educators: As a teaching aid in spectroscopy courses.
Conclusion: A Must-Have Tool in Every Chemist’s Toolkit
If you work with organic compounds, there’s no excuse for ignoring the Organic Spectral Database. Its reliable data, variety of spectra, and open access make it a unique resource among spectral databases. While the interface could use a facelift, the value of the content is unquestionable.
Explore the SDBS organic spectral database today at sdbs.db.aist.go.jp and enhance the precision of your spectral interpretation and compound identification.
You can find more expert-reviewed databases and research tools in our Science section.
Expert Sources Used in This Article:
- Spectral Database for Organic Compounds (SDBS) – AIST: https://sdbs.db.aist.go.jp/
- SDBS FAQ: https://sdbs.db.aist.go.jp/Htmls/faq_eng.html
- NMR Spectroscopy Basics – Thermo Fisher Scientific: https://www.thermofisher.com
