Chemistry Organic Molecule Drawing Program

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding suitable computer programs for drawing organic molecules, specifically for use in chemistry labs and documents. Participants share various software options and their experiences with these tools, including both paid and free alternatives.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks a program to draw organic molecules like methane and trans-1,2-dichloroethene, expressing frustration over a two-week search.
  • Another participant suggests ChemDraw as a potential solution, noting its capabilities.
  • A different participant recommends BKchem as a free alternative, providing a download link.
  • One participant expresses satisfaction with BKchem but mentions needing to learn how to use it.
  • A participant inquires about incorporating graphics from ChemDraw or BKchem into LaTeX documents, specifically asking about file paths for images.
  • Another participant clarifies that the image file must be in the same folder as the LaTeX source file.
  • A suggestion is made for ChemSketch as another freeware option, although the participant cannot find the link they had.
  • Some participants discuss the availability of software through university accounts, with differing experiences regarding access to programs like ChemDraw.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the utility of ChemDraw and BKchem, but there are varying opinions on the accessibility of software through universities and the necessity of certain programs. The discussion includes multiple software options without a clear consensus on the best choice.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention limitations in their university's software availability, indicating that access may vary significantly between institutions.

unique_pavadrin
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to whom may read this,
i was desperately looking for a chemistry computer program which allows me to draw organic molecules, methane, trans-1,2-dichloroethene, cyclopentene, etc. with the bonds in them. Here is an example of what i would like the program to draw:

http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/9854/organicexampleol8.jpg

If possible i would like to have the molecules it draws to be able to be placed into Word documents 07, as that is where i write my labs. If anyone knows of such a program, could they please relpy to this post, i have been fruitlessly looking for the past 2 weeks.
Many thanks,

unique_pavadrin
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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Look up Chemdraw (from CambridgeSoft).
 
thank you for the replies. ChemDraw is a little excessive to what i want, while BKchem is perfect, just need to learn how to use it :P
thanks once again
unique_pavadrin
 
Hi,

I want to draw a complicated chemical compound using latex. I think the best way is to draw it using chemdraw or BKchem, and then I got a picture (graphic). How can I put that graphic into Latex? (I use TexnicCenter).I know this
\includegraphics{myimage.png}

But I don't know where myimage.png comes from. Do I have to provide the path, or anything?

Thank a lot.
 
The picture file, myimage.png, needs to live in the same folder as the LaTeX source that you are compiling.
 
Shadowz said:
Hi,

I want to draw a complicated chemical compound using latex. I think the best way is to draw it using chemdraw or BKchem, and then I got a picture (graphic). How can I put that graphic into Latex? (I use TexnicCenter).


I know this
\includegraphics{myimage.png}

But I don't know where myimage.png comes from. Do I have to provide the path, or anything?

Thank a lot.

You want Latex do you? You dirty devil you...
 
a program that is good to and is freeware i think is ChemSketch from ACDLabs i ha da link but i don't know where i put it lol
is good to simple quests, the hirgher limitation is to draw multi aromatic compounds like 3 conjugated benzenes
 
If you are attending a University, they generally provide such programs for free download in your student account.
 
  • #10
Wax said:
If you are attending a University, they generally provide such programs for free download in your student account.

You must go to a really nice university. Although my undergraduate institution (a state school) did provide us access to software like Matlab, Mathematica, and ChemDraw, we had to go to the computer labs to use them. They did not provide us with copies to use on our personal computers.
 
  • #11
Ygggdrasil said:
You must go to a really nice university. Although my undergraduate institution (a state school) did provide us access to software like Matlab, Mathematica, and ChemDraw, we had to go to the computer labs to use them. They did not provide us with copies to use on our personal computers.

How many students are at your University? If you have 25,000+ students, then I'm almost positive you have it included with your tech fee. Most people at my University didn't know this because all anyone ever does on their student account is register their next semester courses and check their grades. Just spend an extra 15 minutes to check out all your other options, I'm sure it's there. Chemdraw was one of the programs included but I never downloaded it, instead I opted for a free version of Microsoft Office, Windows Vista Enterprise, and Windows Vista Ultimate. (Undergraduate State School) :biggrin:
 
Last edited:
  • #12
Bringing this up from it's slumber. We had Mathematica and Matlab at our state university for free but on at the labs as well. No personal copies.. BKCHEM is exactly what I was looking for in my own research. Thanks, David
 

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