Ball-and-Stick models are common aids used by students to help understand connectivity and Euclidean geometry in Organic Chemistry. However, students often depart with the misconception that atoms are small, hard spheres. In part, this is because ball-and-stick models do not explicitly show atomic size or distances - which are essential for understanding steric effects. Fused Deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printers are cheap and readily accessible for students and instructors to cheaply and easily print molecular models from crystallographic and computational data. However, most printers only print a single color of filament which makes, for the untrained student, distinguishing the atomic or molecular identity 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.

Hands-on molecular models in color: 3D printing multi-part molecular models for teaching sterics and reactivity in organic chemistry

2019 Fall National Meeting

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