ACS (American Chemical Society) format is a citation style used in chemistry and related fields. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the ACS format citation, including examples and guidelines.
Introduction to ACS Format Citation

The American Chemical Society (ACS) format is a widely used citation style in chemistry and related fields. It provides a consistent way of citing sources, ensuring that authors and researchers can properly acknowledge the work of others. The ACS format is based on the ACS Style Guide, which is regularly updated to reflect changes in citation styles and best practices.
General Guidelines for ACS Format Citation
When citing sources in ACS format, it’s essential to follow these general guidelines:
- Use a consistent citation style throughout the document
- Include all necessary information for each citation, such as author names, publication titles, and publication dates
- Use title case for publication titles, except for proper nouns, which should be capitalized
- Use a comma to separate authors’ names, and an ampersand (&) to separate the last two authors’ names
Citation Examples in ACS Format

Here are some examples of citations in ACS format:
Journal Article Citation
A journal article citation in ACS format typically includes the authors’ names, publication title, journal title, volume number, issue number, and page range. For example:
Author, A. A.; Author, B. B. Journal Title 2010, 10 (1), 12-20.
Book Citation
A book citation in ACS format typically includes the authors’ names, publication title, publisher, and publication year. For example:
Author, A. A.; Author, B. B. Book Title; Publisher: City, State, 2010.
Conference Proceeding Citation
A conference proceeding citation in ACS format typically includes the authors’ names, presentation title, conference title, location, and date. For example:
Author, A. A.; Author, B. B. Presentation Title; Conference Title, Location, Date.
Patent Citation
A patent citation in ACS format typically includes the inventors’ names, patent title, patent number, and issue date. For example:
Inventor, A. A.; Inventor, B. B. Patent Title. U.S. Patent 123456, January 1, 2010.
ACS Format Citation Style for Different Source Types
The ACS format citation style varies depending on the source type. Here are some examples:
ACS Format Citation for Journal Articles
Journal articles are a common source type in chemistry and related fields. When citing a journal article in ACS format, include the authors’ names, publication title, journal title, volume number, issue number, and page range.
Element | Format |
---|---|
Authors | Author, A. A.; Author, B. B. |
Publication Title | Publication Title |
Journal Title | Journal Title |
Volume Number | 10 |
Issue Number | (1) |
Page Range | 12-20 |

ACS Format Citation for Books
Books are another common source type in chemistry and related fields. When citing a book in ACS format, include the authors’ names, publication title, publisher, and publication year.
Element | Format |
---|---|
Authors | Author, A. A.; Author, B. B. |
Publication Title | Book Title |
Publisher | Publisher |
Publication Year | 2010 |
Best Practices for Using ACS Format Citation
Here are some best practices for using ACS format citation:
- Use a citation management tool to help format citations and manage sources
- Double-check citations for accuracy and completeness
- Use a consistent citation style throughout the document
- Avoid using abbreviations or acronyms unless they are widely recognized in the field
Key Points
- The ACS format citation style is widely used in chemistry and related fields
- It provides a consistent way of citing sources, ensuring that authors and researchers can properly acknowledge the work of others
- The ACS format is based on the ACS Style Guide, which is regularly updated to reflect changes in citation styles and best practices
- When citing sources in ACS format, it's essential to follow the guidelines and examples provided in the ACS Style Guide
- Using a citation management tool can help format citations and manage sources, ensuring accuracy and consistency
What is the ACS format citation style?
+The ACS format citation style is a widely used citation style in chemistry and related fields, providing a consistent way of citing sources and acknowledging the work of others.
How do I cite a journal article in ACS format?
+To cite a journal article in ACS format, include the authors’ names, publication title, journal title, volume number, issue number, and page range. For example: Author, A. A.; Author, B. B. Journal Title 2010, 10 (1), 12-20.
What are some best practices for using ACS format citation?
+Some best practices for using ACS format citation include using a citation management tool, double-checking citations for accuracy and completeness, using a consistent citation style throughout the document, and avoiding abbreviations or acronyms unless they are widely recognized in the field.