How to use the ACS citation generator
Choose a source type, paste a DOI, URL, patent number, or title if you have one, then complete the manual fields. Select superscript numbers, italic numbers in parentheses, or author-date before copying the reference.
ACS preprint citation format
ACS preprint citations should clearly label the preprint server, year, DOI, and URL so readers know the work may not be peer reviewed.
ACS citation template
Author 1; Author 2. Preprint Title. Preprint Server Year. DOI.ACS reference list example
What to check before submitting
Confirm author order, spelling, year, journal abbreviation, patent country, DOI URL, and access date before you paste the citation into a paper. ACS assignments and journals can vary, so use the required course or journal instructions as the final authority.
ACS in-text citation styles
ACS supports numbered citations as superscript numbers, numbered citations as italic numbers in parentheses, and author-date citations. Follow your instructor, journal, or department requirement.
Citation data and limitations
DOI lookup uses public Crossref metadata when available. Patent, website, book, thesis, and conference fields still need human review because public records may use different title casing, assignee names, abbreviations, or publication dates.
Common ACS citation mistakes
- Citing a preprint as a peer-reviewed journal article.
- Dropping the preprint server name.
- Omitting the DOI when ChemRxiv or another server provides one.
ACS citation tools
Sources and method
Citation examples are maintained from public ACS citation patterns and checked against authoritative identifier and metadata sources. Always follow the final requirements from your instructor, department, or target journal.
- ACS Guide to Scholarly CommunicationPrimary style guide for ACS scholarly writing and reference patterns.
- Crossref REST APIDOI metadata source used when the tool imports article details from a DOI.
- DOI Foundation HandbookBackground on DOI identifiers and persistent links.
- Google PatentsPublic patent records used as a practical source for patent numbers and stable patent pages.
- ChemRxivCommon chemistry preprint source that often supplies DOI-backed records.
Editorial review
Last reviewed: June 2026. Chem Citation Tools is an independent educational project for chemistry citation workflows. The site is not affiliated with the American Chemical Society, and generated citations should be reviewed before academic or journal submission.
FAQ
- What is ACS citation style?
- ACS citation style is a reference format commonly used in chemistry and related scientific fields.
- Does ACS use numbered citations?
- Yes. ACS style can use numbered in-text citations, including superscript numbers or italic numbers in parentheses.
- How do I cite a patent in ACS?
- An ACS patent citation usually includes the inventor, patent title, patent number, assignee, and publication date.
- Can this page generate preprint citations?
- Yes. The embedded tool can generate reference list entries and in-text citations.