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SciFinder Client
The client version of SciFinder requires downloading and installing software (the client) on your computer to access the CAS (Chemical Abstracts Service) database. Most users will prefer to use the web version of SciFinder, which can be accessed through a browser and does not require installing any software on your computer.
Download Instructions
Click on the link for your type of computer. You will be required to enter your BU username and Kerberos password.
Licensing Agreement
Boston University has negotiated a site license agreement for the SciFinder Scholar PC and Macintosh clients. Under the terms of this agreement, the University is allowed to distribute this software to all faculty, staff, and registered students. The software may be used on institutionally owned computers and on computers owned by faculty, staff, and students of the University. The software may not be re-distributed to individuals who are not affilated with Boston University.
Please read the SciFinder User Agreement. Note that by registering for the web version of SciFinder, or by downloading the SciFinder Scholar Mac or PC clients, you are implicitly accepting the SciFinder User Agreement.
Access limitations
To access the SciFinder database using the SciFinder client, the user must be at a computer that meets one of the following requirements:
- PC/Mac is on the B.U. campus, or:
- PC/Mac is connected to the B.U. campus network via the PPP modem pool, or:
- PC/Mac is connected to the B.U. VPN network. [Users of cable modems such as COMCAST Broadband will want to use the VPN network in order to use the SciFinder client.]
These restrictions are due to the authentication (IP address checking) that is performed at the SciFinder site.
Current versions
The "2007" PC version of SciFinder Scholar is available for downloading from
this web site as of Jan. 4, 2008.
The "2007" MAC version of SciFinder Scholar is available for downloading from
this web site as of Jan. 4, 2008.[Requires Mac OS/X]
Discontinued versions
Note: On January 2, 2008, CAS (Chemical Abstracts Service) discontinued database access using the following SciFinder Scholar clients:
- SciFinder Scholar 2004 for Windows
- SciFinder Scholar 2004 for Classic MAC (OS 9.2)
- SciFinder Scholar 2004 for MAC OS X
Windows users may continue to use SciFinder Scholar 2006 or may upgrade to version 2007.
Macintosh users must upgrade to version 2007. The 2007 Macintosh version requires Mac OS X.