Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 28, 2026

Interactive Molecular Model Assembly with 3D Printing
Published on: August 13, 2020
A cellular automata model of bond interactions among molecules
Kier1
1Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond 23298, USA. kier@hsc.vcu.edu
Abstract:
The ten types of alkane bonds have been modeled as isolated fragments using cellular automata dynamics. The rules governing the states and the trajectories of the cells simulating the bonds are derived from the bimolecular interaction accessibilites recently described. The sum of cell encounters at unit iteration (time) becomes a parameter associated with the relationship of a molecule with its neighbors. This value is found to correlate very closely with the boiling points of alkanes, pentanes through octanes. The results reinforce the concept that the molecular connectivity indices are describing the interaction possibilities among alkanes. The study introduces a new way of simulating intermolecular bond encounter dynamics among many molecules.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Molecular Models
Molecular Orbital Theory I
Molecular Orbital Theory II
Noncovalent Attractions in Biomolecules
Four types of noncovalent interactions are hydrogen bonds, van der Waals forces, ionic bonds, and hydrophobic interactions.
Hydrogen bonding results from the electrostatic attraction of a hydrogen atom covalently bonded to a strong-electronegative atom like oxygen,...
MO Theory and Covalent Bonding
Noncovalent Attractions in Biomolecules
Four types of noncovalent interactions are hydrogen bonds, van der Waals forces, ionic bonds, and hydrophobic interactions.
Hydrogen bonding results from the electrostatic attraction of a hydrogen atom covalently bonded to a strong-electronegative atom like oxygen,...

