Databases in Crystal Engineering

Abstract

Crystallographic databases are a growing gold mine in the field of crystal engineering (CE), since they contain information precious in many aspects for solid state chemistry. In this contribution we will first enumerate and briefly describe the most relevant crystallographic databases (DB); then we will illustrate some problems that can be addressed by an educated use of DB; in this context we will present examples of remarkable results obtained with the aid of DB. A section will be devoted to the introductory illustration of statistical methods involved in expert use of DB. Knowledge-based applications will be also outlined. © 2008 Springer Netherlands.