A Novel Method of Representing Orbitals in Three Dimensions Various merhods hnvr bcrn d e v ~ h p e dfor reprerenting s h p l c organic molecules in three dimwiions, including the Newman. Fisrher, snwhursr, hnll nnd slick, and h t t t . d line-wedge drow~ngi.However, these methods hare bren ~ r s dt u represent only bonds in back of, in, and in front of a plane. There remains to be developed a universal method for drawing orbitals in three dimensions and for recognizing orbitals easily as in back of, in, or in front of a plane. Such a concept is especially important, and unfortunately sometimes difficult, for beginning students in organic chemistry. We have preferred introducing the concept of hybridization with a generous use of dotted line-wedge drawings for bonds. However, this convention does not lend itself easily to the representation of orbitals, whether p or hybridized, containing single electrons or a lone pair. We have recently developed a w r y easily understood analogous method of drawing orbitals using dotted orbitals, plain orbitals, or lined orbitals. Completely darkened orbitals may be used in place of the lined orbitals t o resemble more the wedge, but the disadvantage of not being able to show the number of electrons in this type of orbital is obvious. The examples below are easily understood by students. We suggest that this convention could be universallv accepted by chemists for representing orbitals in different planes, even in much more complex molecules.
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Eau Claire, WI 54701
788 / Journal of Chemical Education
Philip J. Cheder
