Research on chemical visuospatial skills shows that students struggle to understand and use molecular representations in Organic Chemistry and physical molecular models are used to simplify the abstract concepts of molecular structure and reactivity. Ball-and-Stick models are common visualization aids that convey connectivity but not atomic size or distance - which are essential for understanding steric effects. Inexpensive consumer grade 3D printers now enable students and instructors to cheaply and easily print single-color space-filling molecular models from crystallographic and computational data to examine size and shape. However, for the untrained student, distinguishing the atomic or molecular identity is difficult without labels or color coding. Here we present a simple method to print easily-assembled, multi-colored space filling molecular models, using open-source crystallographic (CCDC Mercury and UCSF Chimera), 3D graphic (Blender) and printing (Meshmixer) software. The models can be scaled for use in small group active activities or as giant lecture aids in organic chemistry classes.

Multi-color space-filling molecular models: Simple method for single filament FDM 3D printing of multi-part molecular models

2019 Fall National Meeting

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