Discusses model studies aimed at elucidating various ways in which molecular oxygen interacts with metalloproteins. The focus is on the chemistry of iron(II) porphyrins and their adducts with nitrogenous bases, carbon monoxide, and dioxygen, which are most relevant to the functional proteries of the heme proteins, hemoglobin, and myoglobin. (JN)

Several chemical concepts can be visualized by using deformation density maps. They often present convincing experimental confirmation and they should be incorporated into the chemistry curriculum dealing with bonding and molecular structure. Examples of the maps and quantitative information derived from research studies are presented. (JN)

Compares linear-nonlinear and planar-nonplanar geometry through the valence-shell electron pairs repulsion (V.S.E.P.R.), Mulliken-Walsh, and electrostatic force theories. Indicates that although the V.S.E.P.R. theory has more advantages for elementary courses, an explanation of the best features of the different theories offers students a better…

Assigning "R" or "S" descriptors to chiral centers by inspection of a stereoformula often results in mistakes, especially when three-dimensional representations (with solid and dashed bonds for substituents pointing to front or rear) are used. Therefore, a method is presented that can be applied to all three-dimensional…

After noting the grounds for labelling structures as incorrect, the guidelines for selecting which Lewis structures are most important for a molecule are introduced. Several examples of appropriate Lewis structures and the fine structural predictions that are possible are included. (JN)

Discusses reactions of free radicals that determine the chemistry of many fresh, processed, and stored foods. Focuses on reactions involving ascorbic acid, myoglobin, and palmitate radicals as representative radicals derived from a vitamin, metallo-protein, and saturated lipid. Basic concepts related to free radical structure, formation, and…

Discusses the contributions of G. N. Lewis to chemistry, focusing on his formulation of the basic principle of the chemical bond--the idea that the chemical bond consists of a pair of electrons held jointly by two atoms. (JN)

Discusses matrices of the common coupling cases and molecular formation according to models based on union of separate species, description of the united atom, and electron configuration. The matrix tabulations reveal general patterns which make extrapolations easy without detailed use of the Wigner Witmer rules. (JN)

Since the usefulness of cyclic point groups is oftentimes neglected in textbooks, suggestions are given for writing down tables of characteristics for these groups. (SK)

Describes a method that uses ping-pong balls to construct 3-D models of covalent molecules to represent Group I-VIII atoms. (ZWH)

Evaluates first-year college students' perceptions of molecular modeling. Examines the effectiveness, integration with course content, interests, benefits, advantages, and disadvantages of molecular modeling. (Author/CCM)

Conformational analysis of cyclohexanes is a fundamental, requisite topic covered in undergraduate organic chemistry. A molecular modeling experiment is designed with the view of extending students' boundaries of knowledge about cyclohexane conformational stabilities.

A comprehensive theoretical description of thermal protein unfolding coupled to ligand binding is presented. The thermodynamic concepts are independent of the method used to monitor protein unfolding but a differential scanning calorimetry is being used as a tool for examining the unfolding process.

Nanotechnology is science and engineering resulting from the manipulation of matter's most basic building blocks: atoms and molecules. As such, nanotechnology promises unprecedented control over both the materials we use and the means of their production. Such control could revolutionize nearly every sector of our economy, including medicine,…

Axonal degeneration contributes to the development of non-remitting neurological deficits and disability in multiple sclerosis, but the molecular mechanisms that underlie axonal loss in multiple sclerosis are not clearly understood. Studies of white matter axonal injury have demonstrated that voltage-gated sodium channels can provide a route for…