Inorganic Molecules: A Visual Data Base
Charles E. Ophardt Elmhurst College, Elmhurst, IL 60126
Note:	Order Item Number: 8C2 Ordering Information
Inorganic Molecules: A Visual Data Base is a CD-ROM for Macintosh computers that contains text and graphics describing 66 molecules and ions commonly used as examples in general chemistry courses. For each molecule, fifteen molecular properties are presented visually by eight or nine different molecular models created by the CAChe Scientific Molecular Modeling program (1). Basic models of each molecule are the ball/stick and Lewis dot structures. Click image to view video. In addition, each molecule in ball/stick format (including lone pair electrons) can be rotated in three dimensions. The visual data base is accessed interactively from a HyperCard-based (2) program. Although primarily designed for introductory chemistry, Inorganic Molecules is also very useful in physical chemistry and advanced inorganic chemistry. All properties are presented graphically with only a minimum of text. You can set the program to show/hide some of the more advanced topics. Molecular properties are: Several graphics provide a thorough description of the molecular geometry. ball/stick model covalent radii van der Waals radii Lewis structure resonance structures bond angle bond length electronegativity partial charge dipole moment electron pair geometry molecular geometry hybridization electrostatic potential molecular orbitals (HOMO/LUMO) One of the most interesting features of the data base is the ability to compare the properties of any two molecules. The graphics are shown in a reduced form, side by side. A click of the mouse enlarges any picture to fill the screen. There are a variety of presorted lists of molecules for comparison, including diatomic, triatomic, linear, trigonal planar, tetrahedral, polar, and non-polar molecules. The program includes detailed explanations of each of the molecular properties in the Visual Info Help section. This section is accessible at all times and includes text, graphics, and animations. In addition, a special section that introduces molecular orbitals is included to help students and teachers use the data base graphics most effectively. This section includes an energy diagram and models of all of the molecular orbitals and eigenvectors for seven diatomic molecules, water, ammonia, and carbon dioxide. The compare mode allows you to compare any property of two molecules. Molecular orbitals and electron density surfaces are readily available. Hardware and Software Requirements Inorganic Molecules: A Visual Data Base requires: an Apple Macintosh computer; 8 MB RAM (4 MB must be allotted to HyperCard or HyperCard Player); double speed or faster CD-ROM drive (such as the Apple CD300i); 640 x 480 or greater pixel resolution color monitor with thousands of colors; System 7.0 or greater; Apple's QuickTime system software, version 2.0 (included on the CD) or later; A projection system such as a high quality LED overhead panel or a large screen monitor is recommended for classroom presentations. Literature Cited CAChe Scientific, P. O. Box 4003, Beaverton, OR 97076. HyperCard, Claris Corporation, Santa Clara, CA 95052. Availability Available: Now

First Published: June 1996

Citation: Ophardt, C. E. . Inorganic Molecules: A Visual Data Base J. Chem. Educ. Software 8C1

Keywords: Lecture Aid; Computer Room; Instructor; High School; General; Inorganic; Physical; Molecular models; Molecular orbitals; VSEPR theory

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Last Updated: August 17, 2001 Created: December 3, 1996	Created by: J. L. Holmes Comments to: jceonline@chem.wisc.edu
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