From crystal structure to 3D printing to virtual reality in the classroom.

ABSTRACT: We introduce a pedagogical approach to teaching structural chemistry in which students at all academic levels obtain .cif files from readily accessible crystal structure databases, print the corresponding structures using a 3D printer, and visualize the molecules within a virtual platform to acquire a full 360° view of the molecules. This engaging, active learning in-class activity enhances students' understanding of key topics in a chemistry curriculum, such as coordination chemistry, symmetry elements, aromaticity, conjugation, crystallography, and many other topics that are often challenging to grasp using traditional one-dimensional tools (e.g., chemical formulas in lecture notes) or two-dimensional representations (e.g., textbook diagrams, PowerPoint presentations, or wh

SUBMITTER: Dogutan DK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12498038 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature