Some databases allow you to search by physical properties (ranges and specific values) to identify potential substances that match your criteria. However, they are only as good as the substances and properties they cover, the search interface and features, and the quality of property data you enter. You may need to cross-search with one or more additional properties if you get too many results. When working with an unknown for a course like CHEM 143C, you may be better off narrowing down to a list of potential compounds, then searching for these compounds to see if the property data confirms what you observed in the lab.
From the Material Property Search, select from the more than 100 properties, including mechanical, electrical, optical, thermal, transport, and hazard. Drop and drag the selected properties, then specify a value, a range, or just that data exists.
From the Chemical Materials Search (the NIST database of pure compounds), select from the Filter by Properties option to narrow your results.
Use the Query Builder to create the property search. Drop and drag the desired properties, then add values or ranges as needed. You can also cross-search by structure, substructure, or reaction.
There are only about 30 experimental properties, but results can be expanded to include predicted properties. You can also search more than one property (boiling point and melting point), or combine with a numeric spectra search.