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How to Cite

introduction

How to Cite: ACS

ACS style is used in Chemistry. In-text citation can be done three different ways, so be sure to ask your professor what type of in-text citations they prefer you use. Entries for the Reference List must be alphabetical and double-spaced, with the indent of the subsequent line one-half inch from the left margin. The most recent style guide for ACS citation can be found in the Reference section on the 2nd floor of the library.

Please consult your professor for the citation style they prefer. Always follow any specific guidelines given by your professor, even if they differ from what is explained here.

Select ACS Citation Rules

In-text citations can be done one of three ways according to the ACS Style Guide:

1. Superscript numbers at the end or within cited information. The number corresponds with the in-text citation's full citation on the Reference List.

Example:

Fluoridated water as well as various fluoride products such as toothpaste provide fluoride ions necessary for remineralization.¹

Rakita¹ states that fluoridated water as well as various fluoride products such as toothpaste provide fluoride ions necessary for remineralization.

2. Italic numbers at the end or within cited information. The number corresponds with the in-text citation's full citation on the Reference List.

Example:

Fluoridated water as well as various fluoride products such as toothpaste provide fluoride ions necessary for remineralization (1).

Rakita (1) states that fluoridated water as well as various fluoride products such as toothpaste provide fluoride ions necessary for remineralization.

3. Author name and year of publication. This information should be placed inside parentheses and can go at the end of or within cited information.

Example:

Fluoridated water as well as various fluoride products such as toothpaste provide fluoride ions necessary for remineralization (Rakita, 2004).

Rakita states that fluoridated water as well as various fluoride products such as toothpaste provide fluoride ions necessary for remineralization (2004).

Periodicals include anything published on a regular basis. Examples are journals, newspapers, and magazines. Articles found in a library database are cited in this format rather than like something found through a search engine like Google. For information on how to cite something found in a search engine, see the "Reference List: The Internet" tab.

General reference form for print:

Author, A. A.; Author, B. B.; Author, C. C. Title of Article. Title of Journal abbreviated year, volume, page number range.

General reference form for electronic:

Author, A. A.; Author, B. B.; Author, C. C. Title of article. Title of Periodical [Online], year, volume, page number range. www.url.com (accessed Mon Day, Year).

Take note:

If a citation is on 2 or more lines, the 2nd and all subsequent lines should have a hanging indent.

Journal titles should be abbreviated using the CASSI standard.

Examples:

Journal article, electronic version cited

Vandenabeele, P.; Edwards, H. G. M.; Moens, L. A Decade of Raman Spectroscopy in Art and Archaeology. Chem. Rev. [Online] 2007, 107, 675-686. http://pubs.acs.org/cgi-bin/article.cgi/chreay/2007/107/i03/html/cr068036i.html (accessed Mar 19, 2007).

Journal article, print version cited

​Larabee, D. C.; Reynolds, T. Y.; Hochberg, R. B. Estradiol-16α-carboxylic Acid Esters as Locally Active Estrogens. J. Med. Chem. 2001, 44, 1802-1814.

Magazine or Newspaper article

Squires, S. Falling Short on Nutrients. The Washington Post, Oct 4, 2005, p H1.

 

Format for entire book:

Author, A. A. Title of Book; Publisher: Place of Publication, year; pagination.

Format for chapter in book:

Author, A. A., & Author, B. B. Title of chapter. Title of Book;  Publisher: Place of Publication, year; pagination.

Format for online book:

Author, A. A.. Title of Book [Online]; Publisher: Place of Publication, year; pagination. URL (accessed Month Day, Year).

Take note:

If a citation is on 2 or more lines, the 2nd and all subsequent lines should have a hanging indent.

Examples:

Entire book, print version cited

Morris, R. The Last Sorcerers: The Path from Alchemy to the Periodic Table; Joseph Henry Press: Washington, DC, 2003; pp 145-158.

Entire book, electronic version cited

Tour, J. M. Molecular Electronics: Commercial Insights, Chemistry, Devices, Architecture and Programming [Online]; World Scienctific:River Edge, NJ, 2003; pp 177-180. http://legacy.netlibrary.com/ebook_info.asp?product_id=91422&piclist=19799,20141,20153 (accessed Nov 7, 2004).

Book chapter, print version cited

Morris, R. The Beginning. The Last Sorcerers: The Path from Alchemy to the Periodic Table; Joseph Henry Press: Washington, DC, 2003; pp 145-158.

Articles found in a library database are cited as periodicals rather than like something found through a search engine like Google. For information on how to cite something you found in a library database, see the "Reference List: Periodicals" tab.

General reference form:

Lastname, A. A. Title of Work. URL (accessed Mon day, year).

Take note: 

If a citation is on 2 or more lines, the 2nd and all subsequent lines should have a hanging indent.

Example:

Website

Mallet Chemistry Library, University of Texas Libraries. ThermoDex Home Page: An Index of Selected Thermodynamic and Physical Property Resources. http://www.lib.utexas.edu/thermodex/ (accessed Mar 19, 2007).

OTHER ACS GUIDES

Other ACS Guides