Can I use an external Structure Editor?

Reaxys has integrated the Java-free editor Marvin JS from ChemAxon and ChemDraw JS from Perkin Elmer into its interface. Both tools can accept structures copied from external structure editors. For more detailed instructions on using the structure editor see:

• Marvin JS

  • Marvin JS Structure Drawing Workflow
  • Marvin JS User's Guide
  • FAQ on adding abbreviated group templates
  • Video tutorial on creating a Structure Drawing
• ChemDraw JS

  • ChemDraw JS User Guide(Opens in a new tab or window)

How

Follow these steps to copy a structure from an external structure editor into Reaxys:

1. Open Reaxys and click ‘Create Structure or Reaction Drawing’.
2. This will present you with the drawing panel with your preferred editor.
3. Open the external structure editor (e.g. ChemDraw, Java-based) and draw your desired structure or reaction query.
4. Select the structure or reaction, go to the Edit menu at the top and select ‘Copy As’.
5. From the sub-menu select either ‘SMILES’ or ‘MOL Text’.

   • For more information on supported file formats, click here (opens an external site)
6. Return to the drawing panel in Reaxys and use the keyboard combination ‘Ctrl’+‘V’ (paste) to insert the copied structure.
7. Click 'Transfer to query' to continue.

Please note:

• The ‘Copy As’ feature differs from each structure editor. Please check with your vendor whether your structure editor supports copying structure via SMILES or Molfiles (Text). Check with PerkinElmer for more information about this topic.
• Marvin JS can import the commonly used molecule file formats. See more information on importing files.
• Perkin Elmer also prepare a clipboard copy web tool, which can be installed from within ChemDraw JS by following the on-screen instructions. Once installed, normal copy / paste features are possible.