From Shadows# m r e r srereographic Images Using reidin odels and the Macintosh Now both the right and left hand stereographic images of your Dreidmg models can be rapldly cast onto papeyor overheads using the Macintosh with a digitizing tablet and ChemDraw, a program available from Cambridge Scientific.' We recently reported an easy method for producing stereographic images by shining a flashlight through molecular models and tracing the shadow that falls on a piece of paper below. Right and left eye images are cast by different positions of the flashlight (about 3 in. apartL2 This whole process is made much easier with ChemDraw and a Macintizer graphics tablet.3 When the shadow is cast upon the tablet, bonds are rapidly formed simply by touching the pen to one atom, "dragging" to the next and lifting. Connections are automatically centered and overlapping bonds adjust, leaving a gap in the band beneath so that the one on top appears above. The program also allows shading of bonds and rapid placement of atoms. The stereo images of adamantane shown were constructed in about three minutes.
Michael J.
Strauos
University of Vermont Burlington, UT 05401
Gordon Grlbble Dartmouth College
I
850
CambridgeScientilicComputing, P.O. Box 2123. Cambridge. MA 02238. Strauss, M. J.; Levine, S. H. J. Chem Educ. 1985, 62, 525. GTCO Corporation, 1055 First Street. Rockville, MD.
Journal of Chemical Education
