Why Researchers Choose Journal of the American Chemical Society for High-Impact Publications
The Journal of the American Chemical Society stands as a cornerstone in chemical research, publishing innovative studies that advance the field since its inception in 1879. As the flagship journal of the American Chemical Society, it attracts submissions from leading chemists worldwide, emphasizing originality, significance, and broad interest. With a rigorous peer-review process, it ensures only the most impactful work reaches its pages, making it a top choice for PhD researchers seeking to elevate their careers through prestigious publications.
Publishing in the Journal of the American Chemical Society offers unparalleled visibility, as articles are accessed by millions annually through the publisher's platform and indexing services. The journal's scope spans organic, inorganic, physical, analytical, and materials chemistry, alongside interdisciplinary topics like chemical biology and nanotechnology. Its high citation rates reflect the quality and relevance of its content, helping authors build reputations in academia and industry.
For PhD researchers, submitting to this journal means aligning with excellence. The editorial team prioritizes work that pushes boundaries, from synthetic methodologies to theoretical insights. Success here can lead to funding opportunities, collaborations, and tenure-track positions. Researchers value its hybrid open-access model, allowing choices between traditional subscription and open access to maximize dissemination.
To prepare your manuscript, focus on clarity, novelty, and supporting data. The journal's guidelines emphasize concise communication, with articles typically spanning 4-10 pages. Supplementary information accommodates detailed methods and datasets. As you develop your research, consider how it fits the journal's emphasis on transformative science.
PhD candidates often find that targeting the Journal of the American Chemical Society accelerates their academic journey. It not only validates rigorous scholarship but also connects authors to a global network of peers. For those navigating graduate studies, publishing here signals readiness for advanced roles. Explore resources on chemistry PhD programs to complement your submission strategy.
In summary, the Journal of the American Chemical Society remains essential for ambitious researchers. Its legacy of excellence continues to shape chemical discovery. Ready to submit? Review the guidelines on the official site and check academic calendar for deadlines.
Overview & History
The Journal of the American Chemical Society, often abbreviated as JACS, was founded in 1879 by the American Chemical Society to disseminate cutting-edge chemical knowledge. Initially focusing on American chemistry, it quickly became international, publishing foundational papers on organic synthesis, spectroscopy, and catalysis. Over 140 years, it has evolved with the discipline, incorporating computational chemistry and green methods in recent decades.
Key milestones include early publications on radioactivity by Marie Curie affiliates and modern breakthroughs in CRISPR chemistry. The journal's commitment to rapid communication through Communications and full Articles ensures timely impact. Today, it receives over 20,000 submissions yearly, selecting about 20% for publication.
Scope and Disciplines Covered
The Journal of the American Chemical Society encompasses all branches of chemistry, prioritizing research with significant implications. It welcomes studies on molecular design, reaction mechanisms, and material properties, excluding purely descriptive work.
| Discipline | Description |
|---|---|
| Organic Chemistry | Synthesis, stereochemistry, and bioactive molecules |
| Inorganic Chemistry | Coordination compounds, organometallics |
| Physical Chemistry | Thermodynamics, kinetics, spectroscopy |
| Analytical Chemistry | Sensors, separations, instrumentation |
| Materials Chemistry | Polymers, nanomaterials, energy materials |
| Chemical Biology | Biomolecules, drug design, enzymology |
Interdisciplinary submissions bridging chemistry with physics, biology, or engineering are encouraged if chemistry is central.
Key Journal Metrics
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Impact Factor (2023) | 15.0 | Clarivate Journal Citation Reports |
| 5-Year Impact Factor | 15.4 | Clarivate |
| CiteScore | 18.7 | Scopus |
| h-Index | 512 | Scopus |
| Acceptance Rate | Approximately 20% | Publisher data |
| Time to First Decision | Median 25 days | ACS Publications |
These metrics highlight the journal's influence, with articles averaging over 100 citations in the first few years.
Indexing and Abstracting
The Journal of the American Chemical Society is indexed in major databases, ensuring discoverability. Coverage includes Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS), MEDLINE, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. It is also in DOAJ for open-access articles and Sherpa/RoMEO for policy compliance. Access full abstracts via the official homepage or Scopus at Scopus.
Publication Model and Fees
As a hybrid journal, it offers subscription-based access with optional open access. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for gold open access is $4,000, waivable for corresponding authors in select countries. No fees for traditional publication. Page charges are $300 per page after the first four. Hybrid model allows immediate open access upon payment.
Submission Process and Guidelines
Submissions occur via the ACS Paragon Plus portal. Manuscripts must be original, with ORCID iD required. Format follows ACS style: double-spaced, 12-pt font, with supporting information. Ethical standards adhere to COPE guidelines. Pre-submission inquiries are welcome. Track status online; revisions typically due within 21 days.
- Prepare cover letter highlighting novelty
- Include graphical abstract
- Declare conflicts of interest
- Use inclusive language
For detailed guidelines, visit the journal site.
Editorial Board Highlights
The board comprises over 100 associate editors and the Editor-in-Chief, Erick M. Carreira from ETH Zurich. Members hail from top institutions like Harvard, MIT, and Oxford, covering diverse subfields. Their expertise ensures balanced, expert review. Notable editors include Carolyn Bertozzi (chemical biology) and Omar M. Yaghi (materials).
Why Publish in Journal of the American Chemical Society?
Publishing here boosts career prospects, with JACS on every major list for promotions. High visibility leads to collaborations and invitations. The journal's prestige enhances grant applications. For PhD researchers, it provides a platform to showcase thesis work, often cited in future endeavors. Link your publication to profiles on Rate My Professor for broader impact.
Comparison with Similar Journals
| Journal | Impact Factor | Scope Focus | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|
| Angewandte Chemie | 16.6 | Broad chemistry, international | Wiley |
| Chemical Reviews | 60.6 | Review articles only | ACS |
| Nature Chemistry | 24.4 | Interdisciplinary, high novelty | Nature |
| Journal of the American Chemical Society | 15.0 | All chemistry areas | ACS |
| Chemistry - A European Journal | 5.2 | European focus, broad | Wiley |
JACS excels in citation impact and submission volume compared to peers.
Researcher Tips for Successful Submission
Craft a compelling title and abstract. Ensure broad appeal beyond your niche. Use high-quality figures. Get feedback from mentors before submission. Target Communications for urgent findings. Stay updated via chemistry faculty positions to align research with trends. Persistence pays; many top chemists have JACS papers.