Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 21, 2026
11:00
Hand Controlled Manipulation of Single Molecules via a Scanning Probe Microscope with a 3D Virtual Reality Interface
Published on: October 2, 2016
Topology in molecules inspired, seen and represented
David B Amabilino1, Lluïsa Pérez-García
1Institut de Ciència de Materials de Barcelona (CSIC), Campus Universitari, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain. amabilino@icmab.es
Chemical Society Reviews
|July 10, 2009
Summary
This review explores drawing and understanding complex molecular structures, focusing on entangled molecules like catenanes and knots. It discusses visual representations and dynamic processes in chemical topology.
Area of Science:
- Chemistry
- Chemical Topology
- Molecular Representation
Background:
- Molecular representation is crucial for chemists.
- Entangled molecules present unique visualization challenges.
- Topological complexity requires specialized drawing techniques.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a guide for drawing and understanding topologically complex molecules.
- To compare and contrast methods for illustrating catenanes and knots.
- To discuss the dynamic behavior and graphic tools for entangled molecular systems.
Main Methods:
- Tutorial review of molecular drawing and conceptualization.
- Comparative analysis of illustration approaches for catenanes and knots.
- Discussion of graphic tools for representing molecular entanglement.
Main Results:
- Provides insights into visualizing and understanding complex molecular architectures.
- Compares different methods for depicting entangled molecules.
- Highlights the role of graphic tools in chemical representation.
Conclusions:
- Effective visualization is key to understanding complex molecular structures.
- Drawing techniques and conceptual approaches aid in comprehending molecular entanglement.
- The study offers a personal perspective on chemical illustration and dynamic processes.
Related Concept Videos
02:06Newman Projections
Different notations are used to represent the three-dimensional structure of molecules on two-dimensional surfaces. One of the most commonly used representations is the dash-wedge formula. The dashed wedges, solid wedges, and the plane lines indicate the groups situated behind the plane, coming out of the plane, and in the plane, respectively.
The organic molecules rotate across the single bonds leading to numerous temporary three-dimensional structures of varying energy known as conformers.
The organic molecules rotate across the single bonds leading to numerous temporary three-dimensional structures of varying energy known as conformers.
02:00Molecular Models
Physical models representing molecular architectures of chemical compounds play essential roles in understanding chemistry. The use of molecular models makes it easier to visualize the structures and shapes of atoms and molecules.
02:37VSEPR Theory
Valence shell electron-pair repulsion theory (VSEPR theory) enables us to predict the molecular structure around a central atom from an examination of the number of bonds and lone electron pairs in its Lewis structure. The VSEPR model assumes that electron pairs in the valence shell of a central atom will adopt an arrangement that minimizes repulsions between these electron pairs by maximizing the distance between them. The electrons in the valence shell of a central atom form either bonding...
01:18Molecular Shapes
Molecules have characteristic shapes that are crucial for their function. The arrangement of various electron groups around the central atom dictates their molecular geometry. Electron pairs in the valence shell of a central atom will adopt an arrangement that minimizes repulsions between the electron pairs by maximizing the distance between them. The valence electrons form either bonding pairs, located primarily between bonded atoms, or lone pairs.Two regions of electron density in a diatomic...
02:18Fischer Projections
Learning to draw Fischer projections of molecules and understanding their relevance plays a crucial role in the visual depiction of organic molecules. A Fischer projection is a two-dimensional projection on a planar surface to simplify the three-dimensional wedge–dash representation of molecules. This is especially helpful in the case of molecules with multiple chiral centers that can be difficult to draw. Here, all the bonds of interest are represented as horizontal or vertical lines. While...
02:52VSEPR Theory and the Basic Shapes
Overview of VSEPR Theory