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The Path to Synthesis

animations of molecular reactions

March 02, 2010 by Matthew Radcliff

Chemistry requires an understanding of molecular structure, knowledge of molecular reactivity, and the creativity to combine them in novel situations. The Path to Synthesis is intended to build a bridge between the two-dimensional and three-dimensional representations in a real-world situation. This website follows the semi-synthesis of Taxol, showing the reaction mechanisms for each step. The conventional, “arrow-pushing” two-dimensional notation is animated and moves synchronously with a modern, “video-game” style three-dimensional representation. Created by Matthew Radcliff, a science filmmaker and animator, with Joseph Fox, from the University of Delaware, and funded by the NSF and the Dreyfus Foundation.
Tags

animation, chemistry, educational, molecules, technology