# NIST Chemistry WebBook

> reference database and website of the United States government

**Wikidata**: [Q107684043](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q107684043)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/nist-chemistry-webbook

## Summary
The NIST Chemistry WebBook is a reference database and website developed by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), providing access to chemical data such as thermochemical, thermophysical, and ion energetics information. Launched in 1996, it serves as a trusted government resource for scientists, researchers, and engineers. The platform is freely accessible and regularly updated to ensure accuracy and relevance.

## Key Facts
- **Inception**: Launched in August 1996 by NIST.
- **Publisher**: National Institute of Standards and Technology (U.S. government).
- **Website**: https://webbook.nist.gov/ (available in English).
- **Content**: Includes thermochemical, thermophysical, and ion energetics data for organic, small inorganic, and ionic species.
- **Access**: Free to use, with a user manual available at https://webbook.nist.gov/chemistry/guide/.
- **Contact**: Support email at mailto:webbook11@nist.gov.
- **Copyright Status**: Copyrighted by NIST.
- **Country of Origin**: United States.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the purpose of the NIST Chemistry WebBook?
A: The NIST Chemistry WebBook provides critically evaluated, thermochemical, thermophysical, and ion energetics data to support scientific research, education, and industrial applications.

### Q: Is the NIST Chemistry WebBook free to use?
A: Yes, the database is freely accessible to the public, though NIST retains copyright over its content.

### Q: How often is the NIST Chemistry WebBook updated?
A: The WebBook is updated regularly to incorporate new data and improvements, though specific update frequencies are not detailed in the source material.

## Why It Matters
The NIST Chemistry WebBook is a foundational resource for the scientific community, offering reliable and standardized chemical data that underpins research, innovation, and safety protocols. By consolidating and critically evaluating data from global sources, it reduces duplication of effort and ensures consistency in fields such as chemical engineering, materials science, and environmental studies. As a government-backed platform, it maintains neutrality and rigor, making it indispensable for academia, industry, and policymakers. Its free accessibility democratizes access to high-quality scientific information, fostering collaboration and advancement across disciplines.

## Notable For
- **Comprehensive Coverage**: Provides data for over 7,000 organic and small inorganic compounds, including enthalpy, entropy, and spectral information.
- **Government Authority**: Developed and maintained by NIST, a non-regulatory U.S. agency recognized for scientific and technical standards.
- **Free Access Model**: Offers unrestricted access to critical data, unlike many proprietary databases.
- **Regular Updates**: Continuously expanded and refined since its 1996 launch to reflect new research and methodologies.

## Body
### Overview
The NIST Chemistry WebBook is a specialized database and website designed to provide accurate, peer-reviewed chemical data. It focuses on thermochemical, thermophysical, and ion energetics properties, serving as a reference for researchers, educators, and professionals in chemistry-related fields.

### History
- **Launch**: Officially released in August 1996, though development began in the early 1990s.
- **Context**: Emerged during the rapid growth of internet-based scientific resources, addressing the need for centralized, trustworthy chemical data.

### Features
- **Data Scope**: Includes enthalpy of formation, entropy, heat capacity, vapor pressure, and spectral data (e.g., IR, mass spectra).
- **Search Functionality**: Allows users to query by chemical name, formula, CAS Registry Number, or InChIKey.
- **Technical Specifications**: Compatible with modern web browsers; no registration required for access.

### Access and Support
- **User Manual**: A detailed guide (https://webbook.nist.gov/chemistry/guide/) assists users in navigating the database.
- **Contact**: Support inquiries are directed to webbook11@nist.gov.
- **Language**: Primary content and interface in English.

### Legal and Technical Notes
- **Copyright**: All content is copyrighted by NIST, though data may be used for non-commercial purposes with proper attribution.
- **Development**: Maintained by NIST’s Thermodynamics Research Center in collaboration with external experts.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.nist.gov/programs-projects/nist-chemistry-webbook)
2. [Source](https://webbook.nist.gov/chemistry/history/)
3. [Source](https://webbook.nist.gov/chemistry/contact/)