Article Layout

1.0 Organization of material

Every latitude, consistent with brevity, in the form and style of papers is permitted, and no rigid pattern for either is prescribed. The suggestions outlined here are for guidance only.

1.1 Full articles

1.1.1 Title. A paper should have a short, straightforward title directed at the general reader. Lengthy systematic names and complicated and numerous chemical formulae should therefore be avoided where possible. The use of non-standard abbreviations and symbols in a title is not encouraged. Brevity in a title, though desirable, should be balanced against its accuracy and usefulness. The use of Series titles and Part numbers in titles of papers is discouraged. Instead the Series title and Part number can be included as a footnote to the first page together with a reference (reference 1) to the preceding Part. When the preceding part has been submitted to the Society but is not yet published, the paper reference number should be given. 

1.1.2 Author names. Full names for all the authors of an article should be given; initials should not be used.

1.1.3 Graphical contents entry. Graphics are included in the contents list. The format incorporates, a small graphic (maximum size 8 cm wide x 4 cm high) alongside one sentence of text, which should be presented in such a way as to encourage further perusal of the article, by highlighting the novelty and main feature(s) of interest; excessive lists of results and, in particular, cumbersome formulae should therefore be avoided. In view of the space available graphics should be as clear as possible. Simple schematic diagrams or reaction schemes are preferred to ORTEP-style crystal structure depictions and complicated graphs, for example. The graphic used in the Contents entry need not necessarily appear in the article itself. Authors should bear in mind the final size of any lettering on the graphic. For examples of graphical contents entries check the online version of the appropriate journal.

1.1.4 Summary. Every paper must be accompanied by a summary (50-250 words) setting out briefly and clearly the main objects and results of the work; it should give the reader a clear idea of what has been achieved. The summary should be essentially independent of the main text; however, names, partial names or linear formulae of compounds may be accompanied by the numbers referring to the corresponding displayed formulae in the body of the text.

1.1.5 Introduction. This should give clearly and briefly, with relevant references, both the nature of the problem under investigation and its background.

1.1.6 Results and discussion. It is usual for the results to be presented first, followed by a discussion of their significance. Only strictly relevant results should be presented and figures, tables, and equations should be used for purposes of clarity and brevity. The use of flow diagrams and reaction schemes is encouraged. Data must not be reproduced in more than one form, e.g. in both figures and tables, without good reason.

1.1.7 Experimental. Descriptions of experiments should be given in detail sufficient to enable experienced experimental workers to repeat them; the degree of purity of materials should be given, as should the relative quantities used. Descriptions of established procedures are unnecessary. Standard techniques and methods used throughout the work should be stated at the beginning of the section. Apparatus should be described only if it is non-standard; commercially available instruments are referred to by their stock numbers (e.g. Perkin-Elmer 457 or Varian HA-100 spectrometers). The accuracy of primary measurements should be stated. Unexpected hazards encountered during the experimental work should be noted. In general there is no need to report unsuccessful experiments.

1.1.8 Conclusion. This is for interpretation and to highlight the novelty and significance of the work. The conclusions should not summarise information already present in the text or abstract.

1.1.9 Acknowledgements. Contributors other than co-authors may be acknowledged in a separate paragraph at the end of the paper; acknowledgements should be as brief as possible.

1.1.10 Dedications. Personal dedications of an appropriate nature may be included as a footnote to the title of the paper. Dedications for significant birthdays (from 60 years onwards) and in memoriam dedications would be considered appropriate. Other forms of dedication may require approval of the relevant journals Editorial Board.

1.1.11 Bibliographic references and notes. These should be listed at the end of the manuscript in numerical order.

1.2 Communications

Individual articles should be as brief as possible; depending on the journal in question, a page limit my apply. Formatting should be as for Full Articles, except for the following topics.

1.2.1 Summary. This is restricted to one sentence of text.

1.2.2 Article. No section headings are used in Communications. Brief details of key experiments are permitted and should include the amounts of reagents used in chemical reactions. Extensive spectroscopic and other supporting data are not required, but authors are encouraged to supply such data as Electronic Supplementary Information to aid the referees in their assessment of the work. Description for routine procedures should not be included.

1.2.3 Notes and bibliographic references. These should not be extensive and inclusion of 5-10 references is recommended.

1.2.4 Figures. These should be kept to a minimum bearing in mind the restrictions to the length of most Communications.