Alkanes are the simplest organic compounds composed of only carbon and hydrogen atoms & are commonly referred to as hydrocarbons. The carbons are all connected with single covalent bonds either in straight chains or branched. There are no double bonds in alkanes, so they are considered saturated. Technically, they lack a functional group but we list them as such since they are basic to understanding IUPAC nomenclature. The image shows 5 basic alkane structures. Methane, ethane, propane, butane (top right) and isobutane (top left). However, this set comes with 24 sp3 carbons & these can all be built simultaneously for comparison.
Indigo Instruments has maintained a substantial inventory of genuine Cochranes of Oxford (Orbit) atoms & bonds for over 30+ years (scroll down to see "Skeletal (Orbit/Minit). These parts are compatible with every molecular model set we have sold since day 1. This level of quality may appear expensive but no parts support from other vendors costs even more.
You can build an extensive range of branched chain alkane structures with this set. The models use 20mm bonds for C-H and 30mm bonds for C-C which closely match the 112pm & 154pm observed respectively. Use this set in conjunction with our free on-line 3D Molecular Model Builder to view &/or build virtually any alkane. Choose the "orbit flexible" style which matches this set. Here are some examples of alkanes you can build & compare: 3-ethyl-5-methylheptane vs 5-ethyl-3-methylheptane, 2-methyloctane; 2,5-dimethylheptane, 2,3,4-trimethylpentane; 6-ethyl-2-methyl-4-propyloctane; 2,2,3,3-tetramethylpentane; 2,2-dimethyloctane.
Good kit. Fast delivery. It made visualizing chair/boat conformations easier, helped figuring out chirality and stereochem as well. The clear bonds however were sometimes hard to work with as you really need to shove the parts into them, and can slow you down if you're able to use a model kit in exams. As a result, I like using the more rigid grey bonds for most of my builds. The bendable bonds are good if you need to visualize your alkenes and alkynes.
Good quality and assortment!
These are great kits for a great price. Very useful, and easy to buy extra parts if you want.
Glad to hear it. This model set is supported by our 3D Molecular Model builder so any time you want to augment it, the tool will tell you what you need.
Thanks for the feedback. The rigid bonds are great for chair boat flips but eventually wear out with repeated use. The clear bonds are tougher to work with at first but eventually loosen up enough to make them easier to use. They will last over many more uses which is good if you are taking chemistry as a degree.