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Chemistry Double Speak - Model Kit Activity #5
Featured Molecule
The featured molecule in this model kit activity page is diazomethane. Diazomethane is a good example of the two main ways that we represents molecules in chemistry classes.
Molecular Poesy
With MO theory as the tool, /
This model is a compact jewel. /
Its bonds and charges we can "view" /
Wrapped up in math with no ado. /
But with our eyes we like to see, /
Models described by history. /
So we oft use another path; /
With resonance, we dodge the math.
Molecular Prose
OK, I know resonance theory does not dodge the math, but in reality, that's exactly how most of us use it in our undergraduate teaching! The photo above shows the bonding MOs for diazomethane. The model photo shows one of three resonance structures for diazomethane. Using the model kit to convert this resonance structure to another resonance structure can get some conversion help from the NCI/CADD Chemical Identifier Resolver. The Virtual Model Kit activity page for this post deals with bond order change, atom charge change, and an interesting use of the Chemical Identifier Resolver.
Here is the link to the activity page: Load Activity Page
The featured demo video for this page is a video showing a chemical reaction that oscillates between two views. It's a good metaphor for this discussion.
