3D Structures in Content

Organic chemistry is a three-dimensional (3D) science, so we will use numerous 3D structures throughout this course. Below is a 3D model of Buckminsterfullerene, one of a class of compounds known as fullerenes. The C₆₀ designation indicates that it contains 60 carbon atoms. Discovered when I was in high school, Buckminsterfullerene continues to be an active area of research, with potential applications in catalysis and drug delivery systems. It also has a fascinating structure that’s fun to explore and rotate. On OpenOChem Learn, 3D structures are fully interactive, enhancing your understanding of molecular shapes and properties.

On OpenOChem Learn, 3D structures are fully interactive, enhancing your understanding of molecular shapes and properties. These interactive models are not just visually appealing but are essential for understanding concepts like molecular size, geometry, and even chirality. Chirality refers to a molecule's ability to exist as non-superimposable mirror images, similar to how your left and right hands are related. Although Buckminsterfullerene is not chiral, keep this concept in mind, as we’ll encounter many chiral molecules throughout this course.

Action
  • Click on the structure and drag to rotate it.
  • Right-click on the structure to open the advanced menu.  Some of the options will not work since it depends on the type of structure that's loaded.
  • Select Style -> Scheme -> CPK Spacefill.  This shows an estimate of the size of the molecule and atoms.

 

C60 Fullerene (Buckminsterfullerene)