Refereeing Procedure and Policy

2.0 The Journals

Submissions to the journals vary according to their subject matter, format, and type of article being presented. If it is felt that an article would be published more appropriately in an RSC journal other than the one suggested by the author, the referee should inform the Editor.

Some journals publish Communications (see Section 9.0, Communications), Letters, Comments and/or Opinions (see Section 7.0, Letters, Comments and Opinions).

2.1 The Analyst

The Analyst covers the theory and practice of all aspects of analytical and bioanalytical science. The journal only has space to publish three out of every ten submissions it receives. In order for a manuscript to be acceptable for The Analyst, it must report significant advances in analytical science.

2.2 Chemical Communications

A forum for preliminary accounts of original and significant work, in any area of chemistry that is likely to prove of wide general appeal or exceptional specialist interest (see also Section 9.0, Communications). Only a fraction of research work warrants publication in Chemical Communications, as the current rejection rate is 60%, and strict refereeing standards should be applied. Acceptance should only be recommended if the content of the paper is of such urgency or impact that rapid publication will be advantageous to the progress of chemical research.

2.3 CrystEngComm

An electronic-only journal covering all areas of crystal engineering, including theoretical crystal engineering, techniques in crystal engineering, target crystals and properties (see also Section 10.0, Electronic-only Journals).

2.4 Dalton Transactions

Covering all aspects of the chemistry of inorganic and organometallic compounds, including biological inorganic and solid-state inorganic chemistry; the applications of physicochemical techniques to the study of their structures, properties and reactions, including kinetics and mechanism; new or improved experimental techniques and syntheses. For a research work to be accepted for publication it must report high quality new chemistry and make a significant contribution to its field.

2.5 Green Chemistry

Chemical aspects of clean technology, reduction of the environmental impact of chemicals (and fuels) whether from improved production methods, formulation and delivery systems, the use of sustainable/renewable resources and product substitution. Methodologies and tools for evaluating the environmental impact of the above, such as life cycle analysis, environmental risk analysis and legislative issues surrounding green chemistry. In no circumstances should papers just report the 'green angle' of previously published work or work submitted elsewhere, all submissions must be original.

2.6 Journal of Analytical Atomic Spectrometry

The journal covers the development of fundamental theory, practice and analytical application of spectrometric techniques to elemental research. It publishes only six out of every ten manuscripts it receives and referees should not hesitate to reject work which they feel is not of the required standard.

2.7 Journal of Environmental Monitoring

Physical, chemical and biological research relating to the measurement, impact and management of contaminants in all natural and anthropogenic environments. The journal places special emphasis on atmospheric science and human health issues and on the interface of analytical science with disciplines concerned with natural and human environments.

2.8 Journal of Materials Chemistry

The chemistry of materials, particularly those associated with advanced technology; modelling of materials; synthesis and structural characterisation; physicochemical aspects of fabrication; chemical, structural, electrical, magnetic and optical properties; applications; bio-related materials.

2.9 Lab on a Chip

Miniaturisation research and technology: its applications in chemistry, biology, physics, electronics, clinical chemistry, fabrication, engineering and materials science. Authors should clarify the advantages of carrying out the described processes/reactions at the micro- or nano-scale as opposed to the macro scale and must interpret and explain all their observations rather than just reporting them.

2.10 Molecular BioSystems

An interdisciplinary journal publishing novel and significant research that is emerging at the interface between chemistry and biology. The journal is intended as a forum for accounts of the research and development at the interface between chemistry and the -omic sciences and systems biology, in particular research concerned with cellular processes, metabolism, proteomics and genomics, systems biology, drug discovery, biomaterials, and all techniques relevant to these subject areas. All manuscripts should be written in a manner that is accessible to those working in the traditional fields of chemistry and biology as well as those working at the interface of the two subjects. In particular, abbreviations or acronyms should be clearly defined where they first appear in the text.

2.11 New Journal of Chemistry

A forum for the publication of original and significant work, in any area of chemistry that is likely to prove of wide general appeal or exceptional specialist interest. Only a fraction of research work warrants publication in the journal, which has a rejection rate is 60% for Articles and over 70% for Letters, and strict refereeing standards should be applied. Acceptance should only be recommended if the content of the paper will be advantageous to the progress of chemical research.

2.12 Organic & Biomolecular Chemistry

The journal brings together molecular design, synthesis, structure, function and reactivity in one journal. It publishes fundamental work on synthetic, physical and biomolecular organic chemistry as well as all organic aspects of: chemical biology, medicinal chemistry; natural product chemistry; supramolecular chemistry; macromolecular chemistry; theoretical chemistry; and catalysis.

2.13 Photochemical & Photobiological Sciences

Any aspect of the interaction of light with molecules, supramolecular systems and biological matter, for example, elemental photochemical and photophysical processes, the interaction of light with living systems, how light affects health, the use of light as a reagent in synthesis, the use of light as a diagnostic tool and for curative purposes, and areas in which light is a cost-effective catalyst or alternative source of energy.

2.14 Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics

All aspects of physical chemistry, chemical physics and biophysical chemistry including: catalysis; clusters; colloid and interface science; computational chemistry and molecular dynamics; electrochemistry; energy transfer; gas-phase reactions; kinetics and dynamics; laser-induced chemistry; materials science; photochemistry and photophysics; macromolecules and polymers; nanosciences; quantum chemistry and molecular structure; radiation chemistry; reactions in condensed phases; solid-state chemistry; spectroscopy of molecules; statistical mechanics; surface science; thermodynamics; zeolites.

2.15 Soft Matter

For high quality interdisciplinary research into soft materials and complex fluids, with a particular focus on the interface between chemistry and physics. Papers that describe applications and properties of soft matter set in context to the relevant science are also welcomed, but emphasis should be on the science rather than on the applications and properties themselves. The scope includes original research on important synthetic and characterisation techniques, and on simulation and modelling of soft matter. All manuscripts should be written in a manner that is accessible to those working in the traditional fields of chemistry and physics as well as those working at the interface of the two subjects. In particular, abbreviations or acronyms should be clearly defined where they first appear in the text.