2D Structures in Content

On OpenOCHem, you'll be working with many two-dimensional (2D) structures and reactions. While we can only interact with these structures in two dimensions (you can't rotate them out of the plane of the paper or computer screen), we can still represent their three-dimensional (3D) nature in 2D. Learning to draw and interpret 3D representations on a 2D surface is crucial. It's similar to the perspective drawings you might have encountered in drafting or art class.

For example, consider the structure of L-alanine below. It's perfectly fine if you don't yet know what alanine is. The bold wedge pointing to the H atom indicates that it's projecting toward you, while the dashed wedge pointing to the NH₂ group shows it's receding away from you.

ActionHover your mouse pointer over the L-alanine structure to reveal options like zooming, changing the display mode, or adding hidden hydrogen and carbon atoms. Try switching the display mode to see how C and H atoms are implied in the line-bond structure. Understanding this shorthand will help you interpret and draw organic molecules more efficiently.

L-Alanine

PitfallBeginners in organic chemistry often get confused by the number of hydrogens bonded to certain atoms.  You can easily view this information in the structures on this site.  You can also zoom in/out with your mouse wheel.  Organic chemist like to hide the hydrogens, since its easier to draw and communicate this way.  Get used to it!