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Pubchem MCP Server

by cyanheadsversion 0.8.0i★ –iComputer or cloud
Registry nameio.github.cyanheads/pubchem-mcp-server

Install

Overview

Description from the maker (original English)

Search PubChem compounds, properties, safety data, bioactivity, and cross-references.

PopNx MCP’s three pillars

These three are never merged into one score: opinions, measurements and popularity are different things.

What you can do with it

We have not written a plain-language summary for this one yet. Below are the facts we read from the registry.

Install

Pick the AI app you use, then copy the settings.

Before you install

  • Basic checks: 3 of 3 passed
  • Runs on the maker’s server: what you ask it goes through their server.
  • Can do 10 things (tools) pubchem_search_compounds, pubchem_get_compound_details, pubchem_get_compound_image, pubchem_get_compound_3d_structure …
  • You fill in yourself: MCP_LOG_LEVEL

You need

  • Runs in the cloudNothing to install; it connects over the internet
  • npmNode.js installed (for the npx command)

Which app do you use?

Pick your app above. We remember it, so next time the button says “Install in …”.

Works in Claude on the web, desktop and mobile:

  1. Open Settings → Connectors
  2. Press Add custom connector
  3. Paste the address below and press Add
  4. If it asks you to sign in, sign in with the maker
SettingsConnectors1+ Add2https://…3
https://pubchem.caseyjhand.com/mcp

Or run it on your computer

Open Claude Desktop → Settings → Developer → Edit Config, and paste this into claude_desktop_config.json

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "pubchem": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "@cyanheads/pubchem-mcp-server"
      ],
      "env": {
        "MCP_LOG_LEVEL": "your-value"
      }
    }
  }
}

Run this in your terminal

claude mcp add --transport http pubchem https://pubchem.caseyjhand.com/mcp

Or run it on your computer

claude mcp add pubchem --env MCP_LOG_LEVEL=your-value -- npx -y @cyanheads/pubchem-mcp-server

Fill in the empty values before running it.

Open in Cursor

Or copy the settings yourself

Paste into .cursor/mcp.json in your project, or ~/.cursor/mcp.json

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "pubchem": {
      "url": "https://pubchem.caseyjhand.com/mcp"
    }
  }
}

Or run it on your computer

Open in Cursor

Or copy the settings yourself

Paste into .cursor/mcp.json in your project, or ~/.cursor/mcp.json

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "pubchem": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "@cyanheads/pubchem-mcp-server"
      ],
      "env": {
        "MCP_LOG_LEVEL": "your-value"
      }
    }
  }
}

Your browser asks to open the app, then the app shows the settings and asks you to confirm. Key values are left empty for you to fill in.

Open in VS Code

Or copy the settings yourself

Paste into .vscode/mcp.json in your project

{
  "servers": {
    "pubchem": {
      "type": "http",
      "url": "https://pubchem.caseyjhand.com/mcp"
    }
  }
}

Or run it on your computer

Open in VS Code

Or copy the settings yourself

Paste into .vscode/mcp.json in your project

{
  "servers": {
    "pubchem": {
      "type": "stdio",
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "@cyanheads/pubchem-mcp-server"
      ],
      "env": {
        "MCP_LOG_LEVEL": "your-value"
      }
    }
  }
}

Your browser asks to open the app, then the app shows the settings and asks you to confirm. Key values are left empty for you to fill in.

ChatGPT connects only to servers on the internet:

  1. Open ChatGPT on the web → Settings → Connectors (Apps)
  2. Press Create or Add (some plans need Developer mode under Advanced first)
  3. Paste the address below, give it a name and save
  4. If it asks you to sign in, sign in with the maker
SettingsConnectors1+ Create2https://…3
https://pubchem.caseyjhand.com/mcp

Menu names can differ slightly by plan and over time.

Your choice stays on this device in a cookie; no account needed.

Values you fill in

  • MCP_LOG_LEVEL env
    Sets the minimum log level for output (e.g., 'debug', 'info', 'warn').

These settings are generated from the maker’s registry entry. If the README says otherwise, follow the README.

What it can do

Tool names and descriptions exactly as the server reported them on Nov 7, 2026. The maker wrote them, not us; we show them as plain text.

  • pubchem_search_compounds

    Search PubChem for chemical compounds by identifier (name, SMILES, InChI, or InChIKey, up to 25 per call), molecular formula in Hill notation, substructure or superstructure containment, 2D Tanimoto similarity, or the compounds a bioassay (AID) found active or tested. Returns a p

  • pubchem_get_compound_details

    Get detailed compound information by CID. Returns physicochemical properties (molecular weight, SMILES, InChIKey, XLogP, TPSA, etc.), optionally with a textual description (pharmacology, mechanism, therapeutic use), known synonyms, drug-likeness assessment (Lipinski/Veber rules),

  • pubchem_get_compound_image

    Fetch a 2D structure diagram (PNG image) for a compound by CID.

  • pubchem_get_compound_3d_structure

    Get a compound's default 3D conformer — atomic coordinates and bonds — for one CID. format="json" (default) returns atoms and bonds parsed into structured fields; format="sdf" returns the raw V2000 SDF text for passthrough to docking, rendering, or conformer tools. Optionally lis

  • pubchem_get_compound_xrefs

    Get external database cross-references for a compound: PubMed citations, patent IDs, gene associations, CAS and EC numbers with the number of source records that deposited each, other registry numbers, and taxonomy IDs. Results are paged per type — capped at maxPerType with the t

  • pubchem_get_compound_safety

    Get GHS (Globally Harmonized System) hazard classification and safety data for one or more compounds by CID. Returns signal word, pictograms, hazard statements (H-codes), and precautionary statements (P-codes) per compound, merged across sources, plus each source's own classifica

  • pubchem_get_bioactivity

    Get a compound's bioactivity profile: which assays tested it, activity outcomes (Active/Inactive/Inconclusive), target identifiers (NCBI Gene ID, UniProt/GenBank accession), quantitative values (IC50, EC50, Ki, etc.), each assay's type (confirmatory, screening, summary, other), a

  • pubchem_get_compound_interactions

    Get a compound's interaction data: drug-food interactions, and the molecular targets its bioassays name — one entry per target as kinds defines it, with its assay counts by outcome and most potent active value, Active targets first, most potent first. Each entry carries its origi

  • pubchem_search_assays

    Find PubChem bioassays associated with a biological target. Search by gene symbol (e.g. "EGFR"), protein name, NCBI Gene ID, or UniProt accession. Returns a page of assay IDs (AIDs) — page past maxResults with offset — which can be explored further with pubchem_get_summary.

  • pubchem_get_summary

    Get descriptive summaries for PubChem entities by ID. Supports assays (AID), genes (Gene ID), proteins (UniProt accession), and taxonomy (Tax ID). Up to 10 per call; identifiers past that are returned in unprocessed for a follow-up call.

Basic checksi

We check information anyone can see; we have not read the code. Checks that do not apply are left out of the count. · Checked Nov 9, 2026

  • ✓ Pass

    Maker matches the repo

    The registry name was verified with the GitHub account cyanheads, which owns the repo

  • … Not checked yet

    Still maintained

    We have not read this repo from GitHub yet

  • … Not checked yet

    Has a licence

    We have not read this repo from GitHub yet

  • ✓ Pass

    Endpoint responds

    Responded in 223 ms (HTTP 200)

  • – Not applicable

    Sign-in with OAuth

    No sign-in needed

  • ✓ Pass

    No hidden instructions in tool descriptions

    Read 10 tool descriptions and found no hidden instructions to the AI

Compared with others in Search & AI memoryi

  • More stars than 0% of the other 5763 servers in this category
  • Published to the registry more recently than 76% of the other 5763 servers in this category
  • Basic checks equal to or better than 100% of the other 5763 servers in this category

Compared with every active server in this category in the registry. Stars count only when the publisher owns the repo.

Common questions

Is Pubchem MCP Server safe?

It passed 3 of 3 applicable basic checks. We have not read the code. Before adding a key or token, see what access the server asks for and use a key with only the permissions you need.

What keys or codes does it need?

The registry does not list a required key, though some servers ask you to sign in on first use.

Does it run on my computer or in the cloud?

Either way works: install it on your computer or connect to the cloud version.

Is it still maintained?

The GitHub repo last changed –, and the latest version (0.8.0) reached the registry 12 days ago.

Which apps can use it?

Apps that support MCP, such as Claude Desktop, Claude Code, Cursor and VS Code. It connects by URL, so apps that accept remote MCP servers work too, such as ChatGPT in developer mode.

What can I use instead?

In the same category: Context7, Codebase Memory, Exa

Alternatives

Servers in the same category from other makers, sorted by stars.

Reading a card:↓ Downloads per weeki★ GitHub starsiThree pillars: reviews · checks · usageiUpdated = latest version published to the registryi

Context7

Feeds AI the latest docs for libraries and frameworks before it answers, so code it writes does not use outdated, removed functions.

by upstashWidely used↓ 972.7K/wk★ 64.2KUpdated 3 days ago

Computer or cloud

Codebase Memory

Codebase knowledge graph for AI agents — 162 languages, sub-ms queries, 99% fewer tokens.

by DeusDataWidely used↓ 18K/wk★ 48.1KUpdated 23 days ago

Runs on your computer

Exa

Connect AI agents to Exa for web search, content fetching, and multi-step research.

by exa-labsWidely used★ 5.2KUpdated 2 months ago

Runs in the cloud✓ exa.ai

README from the maker

Open the README

Copied from the maker’s repo as written. PopNx MCP has not reviewed or endorsed it. HTML, images and scripts are removed. Links lead off this site.

@cyanheads/pubchem-mcp-server Search the PubChem chemical database for compounds, properties, safety data, bioactivity, cross-references, and entity summaries via MCP. STDIO or Streamable HTTP. 10 Tools • 6 Resources • 1 Skill

Public Hosted Server: https://pubchem.caseyjhand.com/mcp


Overview

Chemical compounds and bioassays from PubChem. Search compounds by name, formula, or structure; fetch properties, safety data, bioactivity, drug-food interactions, molecular targets, and 3D structures; and find bioassays by biological target.

Tools
ToolDescription
pubchem_search_compoundsSearch for compounds by name, SMILES, InChI, InChIKey, formula, substructure, superstructure, or 2D similarity, or list the compounds a bioassay found active.
pubchem_get_compound_detailsGet physicochemical properties, descriptions, synonyms, drug-likeness, and classification for compounds by CID.
pubchem_get_compound_imageFetch a 2D structure diagram (PNG) for a compound by CID.
pubchem_get_compound_3d_structureFetch a 3D conformer (atomic coordinates and bonds) for a compound by CID, as parsed JSON or raw SDF.
pubchem_get_compound_xrefsGet external database cross-references (PubMed, patents, genes, CAS and EC numbers, etc.).
pubchem_get_compound_safetyGet GHS hazard classification and safety data for one or more compounds by CID (batch).
pubchem_get_bioactivityGet a compound's bioactivity profile: assay results, targets, activity values, assay types, and cited PubMed IDs; filter by outcome, molecular target, or assay type.
pubchem_get_compound_interactionsGet a compound's drug-food interactions and the molecular targets its assays name, each with assay counts and the most potent active value.
pubchem_search_assaysFind bioassays by biological target (gene symbol, protein, Gene ID, UniProt accession).
pubchem_get_summaryGet summaries for PubChem entities: assays, genes, proteins, taxonomy.
Resources

Compound and assay records are also exposed as URI-templated resources, backed by the same client methods as the tools; many MCP clients are tool-only and never surface resources.

ResourceDescription
pubchem://compound/{cid}Core physicochemical properties (JSON).
pubchem://compound/{cid}/safetyGHS hazard classification (JSON).
pubchem://compound/{cid}/image2D structure diagram (PNG).
pubchem://compound/{cid}/xrefsExternal cross-references (JSON).
pubchem://compound/{cid}/bioactivityBioassay activity profile (JSON).
pubchem://assay/{aid}BioAssay summary (JSON).
Skills

The server publishes an agent skill, pubchem-guide, covering gates and identifier chains the tool descriptions don't carry: salt vs parent CIDs, where Gene IDs and accessions come from, why gene-symbol, Gene ID, and accession searches disagree, and how to read activity labels, potency values, and GHS data. Plugin installs (Claude Code, Codex) and the .mcpb bundle pick it up from skills/, and the server also serves it over MCP as skill://pubchem-guide/SKILL.md.

Capability reference

pubchem_search_compounds tool
  • Six search strategies: identifier (identifierType + identifiers; name/SMILES/InChI/InChIKey, 25 per call, the rest returned in unprocessed), formula (formula, Hill notation, optional allowOtherElements), substructure/superstructure and 2D similarity (query + queryType; similarity threshold 70-100, default 90), or assay (aid; compounds the bioassay marked active, or every compound tested with activeOnly: false)
  • Up to 200 CIDs per page (default 20; a larger maxResults is served at 200 and reported in cappedInputs); offset pages identifier and assay searches to the end of their matches, and formula, substructure, superstructure, and similarity searches to 10,000 (deeper fails with offset_ceiling_exceeded). Optional properties saves a follow-up pubchem_get_compound_details call
  • Reports totalFound, or a totalFoundAtLeast floor when an upstream search saturated, and unresolvedIdentifiers for inputs with no CID. Fails with aid_not_found for an unknown AID and search_query_rejected (with a hint) for a query PubChem cannot search

pubchem_get_compound_details tool
  • Up to 100 CIDs per call (the rest returned in unprocessed); 27 available properties, defaulting to a core set of 14
  • Optional descriptions (descriptionOffset/maxDescriptions, default 3, max 20) and classification (FDA, MeSH, ATC) cover the first 10 CIDs only, the rest listed in skippedCids. Optional synonyms (synonymOffset/maxSynonyms, default 20, max 100) and a Lipinski/Veber drug-likeness check cover every found CID
  • Per-CID found: false separates a nonexistent CID from a compound with no data

pubchem_get_compound_image tool
  • Single CID; size is "small" (100x100) or "large" (300x300, default)
  • Returns base64-encoded PNG plus width/height
  • Typed cid_not_found error when PubChem has no record for the CID

pubchem_get_compound_3d_structure tool
  • Single CID; format="json" (default) returns parsed atoms (element + x/y/z) and bonds, format="sdf" returns the raw V2000 SDF text
  • maxAtoms/maxBonds cap the JSON preview (default 200 each); atomCount/bondCount always report the full totals, with any capping disclosed via enrichment
  • includeRawSdf bypasses the default 500-line cap on the raw SDF text
  • Optional includeAlternateConformerIds lists conformer IDs beyond the default
  • Typed no_3d_structure error when PubChem has no computed 3D coordinates (large molecules, mixtures, some salts)

pubchem_get_compound_xrefs tool
  • Single CID; one or more xrefTypes: CAS, EC, RN, RegistryID, PatentID, PubMedID, GeneID, ProteinGI, TaxonomyID
  • CAS and EC are the numbers deposited for the compound, every distinct value ordered by how many source records deposited it, with those counts in sourceCounts. RN is PubChem's unranked registry-number list: the CAS number sits beside deprecated and related CAS RNs and EC numbers
  • ProteinGI currently returns no data from PubChem; use GeneID for gene/protein associations
  • maxPerType up to 500 (default 50), with one offset applied to every type; each type reports totalAvailable and truncated. PubMedID comes newest first
  • A type that fails to load is named in failedTypes and the others still return; the call fails only when a type fails and no type other than ProteinGI (which PubChem no longer serves) loads. An empty result says whether the compound has none of the requested types or the CID may be mistyped

pubchem_get_compound_safety tool
  • Up to 25 CIDs per call (the rest returned in unprocessed)
  • Returns the GHS signal word, pictograms, H-codes, and P-codes merged across sources, plus classifications[] with each source's own label; precautionary statements carry a decoded flag
  • Per-CID status: ok, not_classified (notifiers found no GHS hazard), no_ghs_data (no deposited classification), or cid_not_found, so a bad CID never reads as "no hazards on file"

pubchem_get_bioactivity tool
  • Single CID; filter by outcomeFilter (active/inactive/all, default all), targetGeneId/targetAccession, and assayType (any of confirmatory/screening/summary/other); an assay must pass every filter set
  • A target filter matches any identifier tied to the same target, so Gene ID 5742, UniProt P23219, and RefSeq NP_542158 all reach the same COX-1 assays
  • Each result carries the assay's assayType and the PubMed IDs it cites (pmids, newest first)
  • Up to 100 results per page (default 20); offset reaches the rest. A multi-target assay reports the matched target and lists the others under otherTargets
  • Reports totalAssays/activeCount/inactiveCount for the whole compound and filteredCount/returnedCount for the page; notices say whether there is no data, the filter excluded everything, or offset is past the end

pubchem_get_compound_interactions tool
  • Single CID; one or more kinds — drug-food (PUG View), target, drug-drug (DrugBank); default ["drug-food"], and an empty drug-food page points at target
  • target gives one entry per target the compound's assay summary names: a Gene ID with the accessions the table pairs with it, or an identifier it never pairs. A Gene ID and an accession that no row pairs are separate entries even when they name the same protein (erlotinib's ERBB2 appears as accession:P04626 and as GeneID:2064). Each entry names the target from a batched gene or protein summary lookup, plus the GeneID: or accession: value pubchem_get_bioactivity filters on, and states the assay counts by outcome and the most potent Active value with its AID. Active targets come first, most potent first. If a name lookup fails or does not answer within a few seconds, the entries keep their identifier and the notice says so
  • maxEntries per kind per page (max 50, default 10); offset counts records (targets, for target), up to 2,147,483,646. Each kind pages independently, reported in paging[] (totalRecords/nextOffset/truncated)
  • A kind that fails is named in failedKinds and the others still return. The notice offers a retry only for a failure a retry can clear (timeout, rate limit, network error, unreadable response, 5xx other than 501); an HTTP 400, 403, or 501, or a response in a shape the server does not expect, fails the same way on every call. drug-drug comes from PubChem's SDQ service, which refuses automated requests, so it lands in failedKinds and a retry will not help

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