Citation patterns of editorial gatekeepers in international chemistry journals

A significant correlation was found between the mean number of citations to the editors of international chemistry journals and the impact factor of the journals in question. A much weaker correlation was found if citations to the editor(s)-in-chief only were considered; this suggests that the professional profile of the journal is determined by the editorial board rather than the person of the editor(s)-in-chief. The number of citations to the editors of international chemistry journals may be used for characterizing a country's chemical research activity.