Prentice Hall Molecular Model Set For Organic Chemistry Author: Pearson Education | Language: English | ISBN:
0205081363 | Format: PDF
Prentice Hall Molecular Model Set For Organic Chemistry Description
This kit enables users to build virtually all simple molecules encountered in organic chemistry. Includes space-filling models that simulate the true shape of saturated compounds. Provides open models that form realistic single, double, and triple bonds — even strained rings. Allows smooth rotation of the bonds to make conformational analysis easy. Contains enough components to create several models at once. The components are precision-tooled from quality plastics, are virtually indestructible, and come in a sturdy plastic case for easy storage. Provides a useful Instruction Book — with photos, diagrams, and concise discussions of chemical principles.
- Misc. Supplies: 12 pages
- Publisher: Prentice Hall (August 29, 1983)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0205081363
- ISBN-13: 978-0205081363
- Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.8 x 1.3 inches
- Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
I bought this kit when I was a college sophomore about 14 years ago (gasp!). And yes, it was precisely the same product being sold here today. I'm not entirely sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing, since there doesn't seem to have been any improvements - but hey, if it ain't broke, right?
After forgetting about it for many years, I recently found it again in a box in the attic and was thrilled to discover I hadn't lost it, or given it away, or burned it with all the rest of my school things. I had always got a huge kick out of playing with it in school, and of course, I started playing with it again immediately! Gotta admit, it's hard to put down - kinda like catnip for nerds, which I guess makes me one.
Memory Lane aside, it's a solid little set, and includes the following pieces:
28 Hydrogen (white)
14 Carbon (black)
8 Oxygen (red)
8 Chlorine (green)
4 Nitrogen (blue)
2 Bromine (orange)
2 Iodine (purple)
40 Single bonds (space-fill)
40 Single bonds (open)
12 Double bonds (open)
Of course, some of the pieces above can be used in a pinch to represent atoms that aren't listed, but I rarely (if ever? *scratch head*) found that necessary in my basic chem classes. Overall, it was an excellent tool, and well worth the somewhat inflated price. I can remember buying many a text book that cost many times more - few of which proved as helpful as this kit, and none of which were as entertaining.
If I had to cite a negative, I'd have to admit they were a bit stingy with the carbon molecules - and sadly, the only other pieces that rival carbon's chiral-yumminess are the nitrogens, which are also in short supply.
Having taken and taught a lot of chemistry courses, and seen a lot of different styles of molecular model, I think I can safely say that this style of set is the best on the market. The bonds and atoms are sturdy plastic, and I have used mine as an undergrad, grad student, and now in my 9th year as a professor: and no breakdowns! (although there are some pieces MIA) So the quality of the kit is above reproach (although the pieces need to be worked in as they are quite stiff to start). For organic chemistry visualization, it is invaluable - the easiest (maybe only!) way to convince students of the existence of chirality is to build two mirror-image molecules with 4 different substituents and demonstrate that they do not, in fact, superimpose. There are plenty of atoms in this set to do this. I could have done without all the hydrogens if it would have created room for more C, N, and halogens - I often don't bother adding H atoms explicitly.
Unfortunately, this kit is essentially useless for inorganic chemistry, and therefore also for general chemistry. Most freshman textbooks cover basic VSEPR theory up to 6-electron pairs (SF6), and introduce geometries like trigonal planar (BF3) and square planar (Ni(CN)4, XeF4). None of these geometries are possible with the pieces available in this kit. For Inorganic chemistry, these geometries are essential, and I've needed to use inferiorly constructed kits when trying to demonstrate these geometries in my general and inorganic courses.
The good news is that an equivalent to this kit is available for general and inorganic chem. The bad news is that it's $15 more expensive. But I would HIGHLY recommend this other kit for any chemistry, biochemistry, or geology major.
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