Journal of the American Chemical Society – Libraries Journal Guide for Researchers

Why Researchers Choose Journal of the American Chemical Society for High-Impact Publications

Journal of the American Chemical Society represents the pinnacle of scholarly publishing in chemistry. Established as a flagship outlet for the American Chemical Society, it has long served as a vital platform for disseminating cutting-edge research. With a rich legacy spanning over a century, the journal attracts submissions from leading scientists worldwide, focusing on original contributions that push the boundaries of chemical understanding. Its rigorous peer-review process ensures that only the most innovative and reliable work sees publication, making it a preferred choice for those aiming to influence the field profoundly.

The journal's appeal lies in its comprehensive coverage of chemical sciences, from organic synthesis to materials chemistry and beyond. Researchers often select Journal of the American Chemical Society for its ability to reach a global audience of peers, fostering collaborations and citations that elevate careers. The impact factor of 15.0, as reported in the 2022 Journal Citation Reports, underscores its influence, with articles frequently cited in subsequent studies. For early-career scientists, publishing here signals excellence and opens doors to funding and positions in academia and industry.

Beyond metrics, the journal's commitment to rapid dissemination and open access options enhances its value. Hybrid publication models allow authors flexibility in sharing their findings widely. As chemical research evolves with interdisciplinary demands, Journal of the American Chemical Society adapts by featuring special issues on emerging topics like sustainable chemistry and nanotechnology. This forward-thinking approach ensures relevance in a dynamic field.

For researchers navigating publication strategies, Journal of the American Chemical Society offers unparalleled visibility. Its archives provide a treasure trove of foundational papers, inspiring new investigations. Institutions and libraries recognize its status, often prioritizing subscriptions for comprehensive access. Aspiring authors benefit from detailed guidelines that streamline the submission process, minimizing delays.

To explore opportunities in chemistry academia, consider browsing chemistry faculty jobs or checking the academic calendar for upcoming conferences. Additionally, review professor feedback via Rate My Professor to inform career decisions.

Overview & History

Journal of the American Chemical Society, commonly abbreviated as JACS, was founded in 1879 by the American Chemical Society. Initially launched as a modest publication to unite chemists in the United States, it quickly grew into an international beacon for chemical innovation. Over the decades, JACS has chronicled pivotal advancements, from the discovery of new elements to breakthroughs in polymer science. Today, it publishes weekly, featuring full-length research articles, communications, and perspectives that shape chemical discourse.

The journal's evolution reflects the maturation of chemistry as a discipline. In the early 20th century, it emphasized industrial applications amid rapid technological growth. Post-World War II, focus shifted to fundamental research, aligning with the rise of molecular biology and quantum chemistry. Digital transformation in the 1990s introduced online access, expanding reach. Now, with over 140 years of history, JACS maintains its role as a primary source for high-quality chemical literature, supported by a dedicated editorial team.

Scope and Disciplines Covered

Journal of the American Chemical Society encompasses all facets of chemistry, emphasizing novel findings with broad implications. Submissions span theoretical, experimental, and applied work, provided they demonstrate significant advance. The journal welcomes interdisciplinary studies intersecting chemistry with physics, biology, and materials science.

This diverse scope ensures JACS serves as a unified forum for chemists, promoting cross-pollination of ideas.

Key Journal Metrics

Journal of the American Chemical Society excels in bibliometric indicators, reflecting its stature. The 2022 impact factor stands at 15.0, placing it among the top chemistry journals. CiteScore from Scopus is 18.7, highlighting citation influence over a four-year window.

These metrics guide researchers in evaluating publication venues for maximum reach.

Indexing and Abstracting

Journal of the American Chemical Society is indexed in major databases, ensuring discoverability. Coverage includes Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed (for relevant articles), and Chemical Abstracts Service. DOAJ lists it for open access content, while Sherpa/RoMEO confirms self-archiving policies. Links to these: Official Journal Homepage, Scopus, Clarivate JCR.

This extensive indexing facilitates tracking of citations and integration into institutional repositories.

Publication Model and Fees

As a hybrid journal, Journal of the American Chemical Society offers subscription-based access with open access options. Authors can publish under a traditional model or pay an article processing charge (APC) of approximately $4,500 for immediate open access. Waivers apply for corresponding authors from low-income countries. No page charges for standard articles, though color figures incur fees. This model balances accessibility with sustainability.

Submission Process and Guidelines

Submissions occur via the ACS Paragon Plus portal. Manuscripts must follow specific formatting: double-spaced, 12-pt font, with supporting information separate. Ethical standards adhere to ACS guidelines, requiring data availability statements. Pre-submission inquiries are encouraged for suitability. Review involves external experts, with revisions typically requested. For details, visit the official site.

Researchers preparing submissions should review recent issues for style. Common pitfalls include insufficient novelty or incomplete methods.

Editorial Board Highlights

The editorial board comprises distinguished chemists from top institutions. Editor-in-Chief Erick M. Carreira, from ETH Zurich, oversees operations with a focus on organic chemistry. Associate Editors include experts in catalysis (Christopher C. Cummins, MIT) and spectroscopy (Sharon Hammes-Schiffer, Yale). This diverse team ensures balanced, expert evaluation. Board members hail from the US, Europe, and Asia, reflecting global perspectives.

Why Publish in Journal of the American Chemical Society?

Publishing in Journal of the American Chemical Society elevates research profiles through high visibility and citation potential. Its prestige aids in securing grants and promotions. The journal's rapid online publication minimizes delays, while multimedia supplements enhance presentations. For interdisciplinary work, JACS bridges communities effectively. Career benefits include recognition in hiring processes; explore chemistry jobs for post-publication opportunities.

Comparison with Similar Journals

This comparison highlights JACS's balanced position for comprehensive submissions. For peers, check chemistry conferences via the academic calendar.

Researcher Tips for Successful Submission

To succeed with Journal of the American Chemical Society submissions, emphasize novelty and broad appeal. Craft abstracts that hook readers immediately. Include robust data and discuss implications clearly. Collaborate with co-authors for diverse expertise. Track progress via the portal and respond promptly to feedback. Utilizing Rate My Professor can provide insights into departmental expectations. Finally, align work with current trends like green chemistry for higher chances.