STEREOCHEMISTRY WITH CHIME
An aid to understanding the 3-dimensional structures of organic molecules, based on a series of lectures in Organic Stereochemistry given by Prof. A. P. Davis.
"Chime" is a browser plug-in available free from Molecular Design Ltd. at www.mdli.co.uk. Download and install it, and many of the molecules on the web can be viewed in three dimensions. When you come across a "chime-compatible" molecule, place the cursor on the image, hold down the left mouse button and move the mouse. The molecule will rotate under your control. Press "shift", and now you can control the size of the molecule. Press the right mouse button, and you can experiment with different display styles (see under "Display" and "Options"). For example, it is interesting to compare the "Wireframe" image, which reveals the bond lengths and angles, with the "Spacefill". The Spacefill is arguably the "real" picture of the molecule; this is what it would feel like if you were able to touch it. Alternatively, you can have the best of both worlds by superimposing a Van der Waals "dot surface" (see under Options) on the wireframe image. These three display styles are illustrated at the bottom of this page, using ethanol as an example. Try manipulating these images or, if you want something more interesting, check out viagra or penicillin .
It is always important to perceive the three-dimensional structures of molecules, but especially so when you are studying stereochemistry. To help you follow the lectures we have produced a suite of "chime pages" which feature key molecules from the course. Navigate using the "next page", "previous page" or "contents" links at the bottom of each page.
Contents