Hands-On Hybridization: 3D-Printed Models of Hybrid Orbitals

Abstract

Introductory chemistry students encounter the concept of hybrid orbitals as a transition from atomic orbitals to molecular bonding. The principal purpose of learning hybridization in the undergraduate curriculum is to impart an understanding of the origins of molecular bonding and geometry. Physical models of both individual hybrid orbitals and combinations of hybrid orbital types have the potential to aid in student visualization of molecular geometry. 3D printing can serve to generate physically accurate models in a costeffective manner. The use of a freely available JavaScript applet (CalcPlot3D) enables the generation of 3D-printing files (.stl/.3mf files) that can be subsequently printed on a 3D printer. The procedure is low-cost and relatively flexible and produces mathematically accurate hybrid orbital models that can serve as hands-on pedagogical tools.

Hybrid Atomic Orbitals in Organic Chemistry. Part 2: Critique of Practical Aspects

“…With regard to the teaching of HAO, the many misconceptions 63 and the frustration [64][65][66][67] faced by students show that hybridization is among the most difficult concepts to understand. The fact that one can view hybrid orbitals on a computer 68 or print hybrids on a 3D printer 69 fails to relieve this frustration. It is important to expand on the reply of Grushow to specific comments in the Journal of Chemical Education: 70 "The reality is that hybrids are not properly understood and [are] incorrectly used by students, because of the mathematical difficulties"; we add but also that the textbooks and the instructors are basing their arguments on a false pretense.…”

Hybrid Atomic Orbitals in Organic Chemistry. Part 2: Critique of Practical Aspects

“…With regard to the teaching of HAO, the many misconceptions (Gillespie, 2004) and the frustration (Nakiboglu, 2003), (Salah & Dumon, 2011), (Stefani & Tsaparlis, 2009), (Bouayad, Kaddari, Lachkar, & Elachqar, 2014) faced by students show that hybridization is among the most difficult concepts to understand. The fact that one can view hybrid orbitals on a computer (Allendoerfer, 1990) or print hybrids on a 3D printer (de Cataldo, Griffith, & Fogarty, 2018) fails to relieve this frustration. It is important to expand on the reply of Grushow to specific comments in the Journal of Chemical Education (Grushow, 2012): "The reality is that hybrids are not properly understood and [are] incorrectly used by students, because of the mathematical difficulties"; we add but also that the textbooks and the lecturers are basing their arguments on a false pretense.…”

Drawing in 3D: Using 3D printer pens to draw chemical models

“…This new generation of molecular models goes beyond the modeling kits that are ubiquitous in science classrooms everywhere. Using 3D printing, researchers have created personalized models to describe proteins, DNA, hybridization, crystal unit cells, nanostructures, complex orbitals, steric interactions, and even models of potential energy surface, among other topics. Despite the utility of these new models, the relatively slow extrusion rate of the current technology means that models can take from several minutes up to hours to complete necessitating the production of models occur outside of normal class times.…”