A preprint is defined as an unreviewed manuscript that has been publicly distributed or posted on servers that are generally available on the Web. These servers may be associated with sites of an organization, commercial publisher, university, or group. The use of preprint servers will vary from discipline to discipline and is highly dependent upon the culture and traditions of individual disciplines.
Chemistry has a strong tradition of rigorous, formal peer review.
The advantages of preprint servers are rapid, broad and generally inexpensive distribution and worldwide access. B. ACS Editors Policy on Papers on Preprint Servers 1. A preprint will be considered as an electronic publication and, according to positions taken by most editors of ACS journals, will not be considered for publication. If a submitted paper is later found to have been posted on a preprint server, it will be withdrawn from consideration by the journal. Decisions about the validity of the reference will be up to the reviewers and, ultimately, the editor.