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How to Sketch a Molecule from Scratch: Part-1

It is often necessary in various scientific disciplines to prepare sketches of molecules
for project reports, research papers and teaching assignments, etc. Drawing a sketch
also helps in developing the concepts in science, for example, the bonding patter in
organic molecules, their valencies, etc.
Educators and researchers regularly use sketches in their daily work. With the
development of computing computer based sketching has become more common
and more and more people are using computers for everything for drug design,
manufacturing and publications of results.
Several tools are available for sketching. Here, we will see how small molecules can
be drawn using an exciting and free software ACDChem Sketch from ACD Labs.
Lets begin by drawing a simple molecule Indole. The pictures below are self
explaining.
You can build a larger molecule by adding side chains at the desired positions on the
main Indole ring. The method is shown below.
Apart from building simpler molecule like indole, ACD ChemSketch is also capable of
building sketches of complicated molecules like complex alkaloids.
ACD ChemSketch also contains loads of structure templates ranging from complex
alkaloids to active groups of small molecules like ring systems and table of radicals.
Some more screenshots are shown below.
If you wish to draw more complex molecules, you can do so with the help of
templates. ACDChemSketch contains templates of Alkaloids, Aromatic rings,
Carbohydrates, etc. Template window can be accessed from Templates window.
Some more screenshots of Structure templates in ACDChemSketch.
A useful template for young science students is the Lab Kit template which includes
various glassware commonly used in a chemical laboratory.
The students can learn the names of various types of glassware and their shapes. Its
a good tool for writing reports in chemistry, biochemistry, etc.
ACD ChemSketch Version 12 can be downloaded free of charge from ACD website