There are 94 natural elements if neptunium and plutonium are included, but there are millions of chemical compounds. This is an interest to chemists but a nightmare for business owners who have to comb through many options to find what they want. The good news is that a good chemist can narrow down the options and a chemical compound database can give you and any amateur all the needed specifications.
Most businesses have hazardous material data sheets, especially if they are present in the building. If an office owns an asset that uses chemicals, then all the required technical info might be on a company computer. If an amateur wants to look up something on the internet out of interest or professional inquiry, then websites exist that can technically describe even the most obscure chemical combinations.
Companies often have their own documents, but whenever a new product is being researched or implemented, there might be a need to create whole new documents. For the writer, websites that offer chemical compound databases are a great research tool. It also pays to call up chemists and ask in person, but these database websites are free to browse and do not occupy anybody’s time other than that of the researcher.
In fact, a writer who has no affiliation with a company can use the same resource. This is a great way to keep company files confidential but direct employees without security clearance to inspect free and open sources of information. Since the database was set up by someone else, there is no need for the company to create its own training website or software unless very specific information is going to be provided.
Third-party databases are also helpful when directing a business-to-business service to lookup a chemical. They do not need company records or training if they can easily find this information on their own. Knowing which website to use and how to browse it is a tremendous asset to anyone who has to research chemicals on a dime. This goes to freelance writers as well as business providers who might not get information from their customers.
There are different databases available, so make sure to know which one suits your needs. Organic compounds such as those used by the cells of vertebrates might fit into one database while all industrial solvents will have their own database. Big databases that try to have everything are available, but browsing by category can be helpful for some people.