
Our development team has big plans for 2025!
CAS SciFinder is already your trusted source for the information you need to support your research and accelerate scientific discovery. Soon, searching the world’s most complete collection of scientific content will be easier than ever. From asking a basic scientific question to performing a detailed landscape assessment using prior art searching, we’re going to make it simple to quickly get accurate answers from trusted sources.
Let’s look at just a few of the things you can expect this year.
Speed AND accuracy
By mid-2025, technology will be in place that allows you to get answers to scientific questions quicker while maintaining the accuracy you expect.
Let’s say you want to know the solubility of zinc oxide?
Today, if you enter that simple query into CAS SciFinder you will see the following:

While you are assured an accurate answer, it requires several clicks to view the substance details and locate the chemical properties within the experimental properties table.
Using popular search engines may lead you to an answer faster, but you are left to question the accuracy of the AI-generated answer.

Soon, using improved search technology, performing this exact query in CAS SciFinder will result in a direct, fact-based, literature-sourced answer in a fraction of the time.

These answers are sourced directly from the published data that CAS SciFinder relies on today.
Natural language queries
You may have noticed that the query above was phrased using natural language – just as you would in any modern search engine.
Today in CAS SciFinder, depending on the complexity and phrasing used, the search results may vary depending on how your query is interpreted. In many cases it is still possible to get the answer you are seeking, but it might require a few extra clicks.
Soon your searches will take advantage of AI-enhanced natural language search technology. This will enhance the interpretation of natural language queries, leading you to more precise search results. No more trying to simplify your question or create a Boolean search—simply type in the search box to begin your discovery.

Expanded IP workflows
Many researchers/scientists have told us that they are more responsible for pre-project research and analysis. This includes prior art searches that help them understand the research landscape and evaluate competitive threats.
In 2025, we’ll also enhance CAS SciFinder with new search capabilities, expanded content, improved reporting, and analytics to better support these IP-related workflows.
Interactive Retrosynthetic Development
The retrosynthesis plans in CAS SciFinder are already built on the best available literature evidence. Soon, you will seamlessly interact with your retrosynthesis plans to discover more evidence-based predictive solutions to your synthesis challenges.
You will soon be able to extend your synthesis plan without the need to relaunch your entire retrosynthesis search. In addition, you will view literature precedents within the context of the plan, enabling a more seamless assessment of predicted reactions.
Plans will also be created based on meaningfully different approaches, increasing the potential for finding plausible alternative synthetic routes. These new approaches are built on AI-enabled models that can precisely interpret the reaction details described in the CAS Content Collection™.
These powerful new capabilities are the foundation for many new developments coming throughout 2025 designed to enhance your everyday research.