Draw structural formulas - how it works
In chemistry or other natural sciences you cannot avoid drawing structural formulas. We show you how to draw these structures on the computer.
Draw simple structures online
In order for you to get simple structural drawings quickly, the online application from Strukturformelzeichner.de is sufficient. You can draw simple structural formulas with one click.
- However, you must note that you enter the German IUPAC name for a structure, since the application only recognizes and can use this format. That is, enter the designation "2, 6-diaminohexanoic acid" so that the molecule is drawn.
- With the help of the display options, you can set whether, for example, H-bonds should be displayed and in which color. This gives you a better overview of larger molecules. All permitted functional groups can be found in the instructions.
- Finally, click on "Download" to download the drawn structure.
Chemograph Plus: Chemical drawing with a simple user interface
The simple user interface is a major advantage of the free Chemograph Plus Standard program. You can also use the program to import spectra and then visualize and edit them.
- With the help of the different drawing modes, you can both draw completely free-hand and use the help of the program, for example by normalizing the binding length, so that correct structures are created.
- With the help of the toolbar and functions that simplify the drawing of cyclo structures or the alignment of functional groups, you can easily visualize structures in no time.
- Before you can download the program, you have to register with your email address. This is the only way to get access to the download portal.
ChemDraw: Very good, but unfortunately not free of charge
ChemDraw is a leading program in academic circles for drawing structural formulas. The advantage is the wide range of tools and above all the use on both Windows and Mac.
- With the program it is not only possible to draw structural formulas, you can even create whole reactions with everything you need.
- This program can even be used by Mac users. There is no limit to the drawing of structures, because you can exchange files on Mac and Windows.
- Unfortunately, the free trial version can only be used for 2 weeks. Then prices (for academic users) start at $ 110 a year.
In the next practical tip, we will give you an overview of free chemistry courses to learn chemistry online.