How to Visualize Organic Compounds

Estimated Time: 10 minutes

Materials Needed: pen, paper

Prior Knowledge: basic chemistry knowledge

The ability to visualize organic compounds in three dimensions from the wedge-dash notation is important, because it allows you to better understand the interactions amongst chemical compounds. Wedge-dash notation is the standard method in which chemists may depict a compound. Although the interactions can become intricate and difficult to understand, being able to visualize the compounds shouldn't have to be. This Instructable will teach you how to visualize wedge-dash notation in three dimensions by describing the wedge-dash notation, teaching you how to apply this information, and, finally, giving you an example to test your understanding.

There are three different types of bonds that can be notated in chemical compounds. In a three dimensional field, elements can either be parallel to the plane, behind the plane, or in front of the plane in the compound.

• "normal" bonds lie parallel to the plane
• dashed bonds extend away from the viewer, or behind the plane
• wedged bonds protrude towards the viewer, or in front of the plane

An example of the wedge-dash notation can be seen above in its application to methane. You should study this example and practice relating the notation to the 3D image.

Now that you understand the relationship between dash, wedge, and normal bonds, you can apply this knowledge to other compounds. In order to do this most efficiently, you should pick a starting point to visualize the rest of the compound in relation to it. To pick this starting point consider:

• which element has the most in the same plane as it
• which element is also related to those not in the same plane

To aid your visualization, you should make a 3D model until you are comfortable with imagining these relationships without it. Drawing a 3D model will help you relate the wedge-dash notation to a representation that is more easily understood naturally.

Test your understanding by picking the 3D model that best represents the wedge-dash notation of the compound given. [Answer: B]

Consider these additional problems to test your understanding.

Answers: A, C

More can be found at:

http://chemistry.about.com/od/organiccompounds/a/a...

Now that you understand the basics of wedge-dash notation, consider following these links to apply it to benzene rings and other more complicated structures.