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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.
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