Reference List Format | Using ACS Style |  Acknowledgements | Main Page  

Reference List Format:

A complete reference list is required. This should include all works that have been cited. The format used in the reference list or bibliography varies depending upon the type of source being referred to.

Books:

Example:

Comfort, A. D. Properties of Transition Metal Compounds. Mitchell Beazley: London, 1997; Vol. I. 

Book Chapter in Edited Book:

Example:

Adams, R.; Fisher, S. Ultraviolet Degradation of Selected Polymers. In Polymer Durability; Mayer, J., Ed.; American Chemical Society:Washington, DC, 1996; pp 234-244. 

Journal Articles:

Example:

Wharton, N. Influence of pretreatment on Czech brown coals. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1996, 124: 18-39.

Online Resources:

Example: 

Hsu, D. Chemicool Periodical Table. http://www-tech.mit.edu/Chemicool/ (accessed Jan 1999).

Using ACS Style:

When using ACS style referencing you can cite sources in three different ways. One involves the use of superscript numbers within the text. Another involves the use of italicised numerals within the text. The final method is similar to Harvard style and uses in-text citation. Whatever citation style is used, a full reference list is included at the end of the document.

Method I: Superscript Numerals in Text

A superscript number is inserted after the sentence containing the quotation or idea you wish to reference. Use the same number if the same piece of work is being cited. A numbered reference list containing all necessary citation information is included at the end of the document. References in your reference list should be clearly numbered and the superscript numerals in the text should correspond to the references bearing the same numbers. If possible, use the footnote or endnote function of your software. 

• This argument was first put forward in the early 19th century.¹ 
• The argument was first put forward by Hulme.¹ 
• Hulme stated that this argument was first propounded 'early in the 19th century'.¹

Method II: Italicised Numerals in Text

An italicised number is inserted in parentheses within the sentence containing the quotation or idea you wish to reference. The same number is used if the same piece of work is being cited more than once. A numbered reference list containing all necessary citation information is included at the end of the document. References in your reference list should be clearly numbered and the superscript numerals in the text should correspond to the references bearing the same numbers. If possible, use the footnote or endnote function of your software. 

• This argument was first put forward in the early 19th century (1). 
• The argument was first put forward by Hulme (1). 
• Hulme (1) stated that this argument was first propounded 'early in the 19th century'.

Method III: In-Text Citation

The author's surname and the date of publication is inserted in parentheses within the sentence containing the quotation or idea you wish to reference. A reference list containing all necessary citation information is included at the end of the document. 

• This argument was first put forward in the early 19th century (Hulme 1996). 
• The argument was first put forward by Hulme (1996). 
• Hulme (1996) stated that this argument was first propounded 'early in the 19th century'.

Acknowledgements:

The following sources were used in the compilation of this page:

• Dodd, JS. Referencing. In The ACS Style Guide: A Manual for Authors and Editors, 2nd edition; Dodd, JS. Ed.; American Chemical Society: Washington, DC, 1997; 173-231.