Molecule Facts & Structures
This is a collection of chemistry facts and structures, both for individual molecules and for groups of related molecules.
Chemical Structures Starting with the Letter Q
Browse structures of molecules and ions that have names beginning with the letter Q.
Browse structures of molecules and ions that have names beginning with the letter Q.
Chemical Structures Archive
From your About Chemistry Guide, these are structures (gifs) for all of the molecules from articles and facts on the About Chemistry website. Many supplemental structures are available, too. Additions are made to the archive regularly.
From your About Chemistry Guide, these are structures (gifs) for all of the molecules from articles and facts on the About Chemistry website. Many supplemental structures are available, too. Additions are made to the archive regularly.
Chemical Names for Common Substances
Do you need to know the chemical name for aspirin or baking soda? This is the list for you! Look up the common name of a substance to see its chemical or scientific name.
Do you need to know the chemical name for aspirin or baking soda? This is the list for you! Look up the common name of a substance to see its chemical or scientific name.
Molecules and Moles
Learn how molecules, moles, and Avogadro's number relate to each other. This is a good introduction to the study of compounds and stoichiometry.
Learn how molecules, moles, and Avogadro's number relate to each other. This is a good introduction to the study of compounds and stoichiometry.
Amino Acids
The names, three-letter abbreviations, one-letter abbreviations, and molecular structures for the twenty protein-derived amino acids are presented. The amino acids are grouped according to whether they have side chains that are nonpolar, polar and uncharged, or polar and charged. Links are provided for other amino acid classification systems and characteristics.
The names, three-letter abbreviations, one-letter abbreviations, and molecular structures for the twenty protein-derived amino acids are presented. The amino acids are grouped according to whether they have side chains that are nonpolar, polar and uncharged, or polar and charged. Links are provided for other amino acid classification systems and characteristics.
Amino Acid Structures
These are the structures for the twenty natural amino acids, plus the general structure for an amino acid.
These are the structures for the twenty natural amino acids, plus the general structure for an amino acid.
Anabolic Steroids
Learn what anabolic steroids are, how they can enhance athletic performance, and what risks are associated with using performance enhancing drugs.
Learn what anabolic steroids are, how they can enhance athletic performance, and what risks are associated with using performance enhancing drugs.
Steroid Molecular Structures
See the molecular structures of steroids.
See the molecular structures of steroids.
BHA and BHT - Food Preservative Chemistry
Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) are added to many foods to prevent fat spoilage. This article describes what BHA and BHT are, what they do, and how they do it. There is a fairly lengthy list of references because there is controversy over the health effects of BHA, BHT, and other additives.
Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) are added to many foods to prevent fat spoilage. This article describes what BHA and BHT are, what they do, and how they do it. There is a fairly lengthy list of references because there is controversy over the health effects of BHA, BHT, and other additives.
Caffeine Chemistry
Learn about the chemical and biological properties of caffeine, the methylxanthine stimulant found in coffee and other foods.
Learn about the chemical and biological properties of caffeine, the methylxanthine stimulant found in coffee and other foods.
Chemical Weapons
See the chemical structures of chemical weapons and warfare agents and learn a little about their uses.
See the chemical structures of chemical weapons and warfare agents and learn a little about their uses.
Chemistry of Diamond
Part I: Carbon Chemistry and Diamond Crystal Structure. Part II: Properties and Types of Diamonds. There are also links to learn about carbon allotropes, diamond mining, diamonds as gemstones, and geology.
Part I: Carbon Chemistry and Diamond Crystal Structure. Part II: Properties and Types of Diamonds. There are also links to learn about carbon allotropes, diamond mining, diamonds as gemstones, and geology.
Chemistry of Theobromine
The primary methylxanthine in chocolate is theobromine, a molecule similar to caffeine. See the structure of theobromine and read about its chemistry, effects on people and animals, and uses. There are links to chocolate history and chemical research, veterinary advice for theobromine poisoning, and related resources.
The primary methylxanthine in chocolate is theobromine, a molecule similar to caffeine. See the structure of theobromine and read about its chemistry, effects on people and animals, and uses. There are links to chocolate history and chemical research, veterinary advice for theobromine poisoning, and related resources.
Compounds - Inorganic Chemicals
List of inorganic chemical compounds.
List of inorganic chemical compounds.
Crystal Meth Facts
Learn what crystal meth is, why people take crystal meth, how it's made, and what risks are associated with using methamphetamine.
Learn what crystal meth is, why people take crystal meth, how it's made, and what risks are associated with using methamphetamine.
DEET Chemistry
Learn about the insect repellent called DEET. See its chemical structure, find out how it works, get information about the risks of using DEET, and find out how to reduce your need for bug spray.
Learn about the insect repellent called DEET. See its chemical structure, find out how it works, get information about the risks of using DEET, and find out how to reduce your need for bug spray.
Food Additives
This is a list of common food additives and a description of their uses.
This is a list of common food additives and a description of their uses.
Formulas of Common Acids & Bases
Here are the names and formulas of some of the common acids and bases. Learn how to apply prefixes and suffixes to name the acids and bases.
Here are the names and formulas of some of the common acids and bases. Learn how to apply prefixes and suffixes to name the acids and bases.
Functional Groups - Organic Chemistry Essentials
These are the names and structures of important organic functional groups containing nitrogen or oxygen. Learn 'em, live 'em, love 'em!
These are the names and structures of important organic functional groups containing nitrogen or oxygen. Learn 'em, live 'em, love 'em!
How to Make Aspirin - Acetylsalicylic Acid
Learn how to synthesize aspirin, acetylsalicylic acid, from salicyclic acid. Get information about the history of aspirin, the effects of salicylates, and see the structures of the reactants.
Learn how to synthesize aspirin, acetylsalicylic acid, from salicyclic acid. Get information about the history of aspirin, the effects of salicylates, and see the structures of the reactants.
Molecules with Strange Names
Here's a collection of molecules that have strange or silly names. There are lots of molecules with weird names, so this list will grow and grow.
Here's a collection of molecules that have strange or silly names. There are lots of molecules with weird names, so this list will grow and grow.
Ricin and RCA - Castor Bean Toxins
Learn about ricin and RCA, the two potent toxins from the castor bean plant. Information is provided about the action, symptoms, and treatment of ricin and RCA poisoning.
Learn about ricin and RCA, the two potent toxins from the castor bean plant. Information is provided about the action, symptoms, and treatment of ricin and RCA poisoning.
Nepetalactone Chemistry
Nepetalactone is the terpene found in catnip that makes some cats crazy, humans relaxed, and cockroaches repelled. This article looks at the chemistry of nepetalactone and its effects on humans, cats, and insects.
Nepetalactone is the terpene found in catnip that makes some cats crazy, humans relaxed, and cockroaches repelled. This article looks at the chemistry of nepetalactone and its effects on humans, cats, and insects.
Protein and Polypeptide Structure
This article describes the four levels of protein and polypeptide structure, with examples and links for additional reading.
This article describes the four levels of protein and polypeptide structure, with examples and links for additional reading.
Snowflake Chemistry
Here are answers to common questions about snowflakes. Learn how snow forms, what shapes snowflakes take, why snow crystals are symmetrical, whether no two snowflakes really are alike, and why snow looks white!
Here are answers to common questions about snowflakes. Learn how snow forms, what shapes snowflakes take, why snow crystals are symmetrical, whether no two snowflakes really are alike, and why snow looks white!
Vitamin Chemical Structures
This is a collection of molecular structures of the vitamins.
This is a collection of molecular structures of the vitamins.
What Is the Smelliest Chemical?
There are some man-made chemicals with a stench well beyond the gentle perfume of dirty gym socks and skunk spray. Do you know the names of these super-stinkers?
There are some man-made chemicals with a stench well beyond the gentle perfume of dirty gym socks and skunk spray. Do you know the names of these super-stinkers?
Chemical Structures Starting with the Letter A
Browse structures of molecules and ions that have names beginning with the letter A.
Browse structures of molecules and ions that have names beginning with the letter A.
Chemical Structures Starting with the Letter B
Browse structures of molecules and ions that have names beginning with the letter B.
Browse structures of molecules and ions that have names beginning with the letter B.
Chemical Structures Starting with the Letter C
Browse structures of molecules and ions that have names beginning with the letter C.
Browse structures of molecules and ions that have names beginning with the letter C.
Chemical Structures Starting with the Letter D
Browse structures of molecules and ions that have names beginning with the letter D.
Browse structures of molecules and ions that have names beginning with the letter D.
Chemical Structures Starting with the Letter E
Browse structures of molecules and ions that have names beginning with the letter E.
Browse structures of molecules and ions that have names beginning with the letter E.
Chemical Structures Starting with the Letter F
Browse structures of molecules and ions that have names beginning with the letter F.
Browse structures of molecules and ions that have names beginning with the letter F.
Chemical Structures Starting with the Letter G
Browse structures of molecules and ions that have names beginning with the letter G.
Browse structures of molecules and ions that have names beginning with the letter G.
Chemical Structures Starting with the Letter H
Browse structures of molecules and ions that have names beginning with the letter H.
Browse structures of molecules and ions that have names beginning with the letter H.
Chemical Structures Starting with the Letter I
Browse structures of molecules and ions that have names beginning with the letter I.
Browse structures of molecules and ions that have names beginning with the letter I.
Chemical Structures Starting with the Letter L
Browse structures of molecules and ions that have names beginning with the letter L.
Browse structures of molecules and ions that have names beginning with the letter L.
Chemical Structures Starting with the Letter M
Browse structures of molecules and ions that have names beginning with the letter M.
Browse structures of molecules and ions that have names beginning with the letter M.
Chemical Structures Starting with the Letter N
Browse structures of molecules and ions that have names beginning with the letter N.
Browse structures of molecules and ions that have names beginning with the letter N.
Chemical Structures Starting with the Letter O
Browse structures of molecules and ions that have names beginning with the letter O.
Browse structures of molecules and ions that have names beginning with the letter O.
Chemical Structures Starting with the Letter P
Browse structures of molecules and ions that have names beginning with the letter P.
Browse structures of molecules and ions that have names beginning with the letter P.
Chemical Structures Starting with the Letter S
Browse structures of molecules and ions that have names beginning with the letter S.
Browse structures of molecules and ions that have names beginning with the letter S.
Chemical Structures Starting with the Letter T
Browse structures of molecules and ions that have names beginning with the letter T.
Browse structures of molecules and ions that have names beginning with the letter T.
Chemical Structures Starting with the Letter V
Browse structures of molecules and ions that have names beginning with the letter V.
Browse structures of molecules and ions that have names beginning with the letter V.
How Do Pencil Erasers Work?
Learn about the different materials used as pencil erasers and how they work.
Learn about the different materials used as pencil erasers and how they work.
(Z)-2-methyl-2-butenoic acid
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
1,2,3-Triazole
Ring structure.
Ring structure.
1,2-Diazole
Ring structure.
Ring structure.
1,2-Pyran
Ring structure.
Ring structure.
1,3-Diazole
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
1,3-Isodiazole
Ring structure.
Ring structure.
2'-deoxyuridine-5'-monophosphate
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
2,2,4-Trimethylpentane
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
2,2-dimethylpropane
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
2-Hydroxybenzoic Acid
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
2-Isoimidazole
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
3,4,4,5-tetramethylcyclohexa-2,5-dienone
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
3,5-dimethoxybenzoic acid
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
3-Methylbutanoic Acid
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
4-(1-propenyl)phenol
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Acetic Acid
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Acetic Anhydride
Molecular structure of acetic anhydride.
Molecular structure of acetic anhydride.
Acetylcholine
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Acetylene
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Acetylsalicylic Acid
Molecular structure of the drug aspirin or acetylsalicylic acid.
Molecular structure of the drug aspirin or acetylsalicylic acid.
Acrylonitrile
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Adenine
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Adenosine
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Adipic Acid
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Alanine
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Alcohol Functional Group
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Aldehyde Functional Group
Chemical structure.
Chemical structure.
Alkane Nomenclature and Numbering
Alkanes are fully saturated hydrocarbons. They are among the first molecules encountered in Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry. Learn how to name straight-chain, branched, and cyclic alkanes and how to number them.
Alkanes are fully saturated hydrocarbons. They are among the first molecules encountered in Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry. Learn how to name straight-chain, branched, and cyclic alkanes and how to number them.
Amide Functional Group
Chemical structure.
Chemical structure.
Amine Functional Group
Chemical structure.
Chemical structure.
Amino Acid - General Structure
General molecular structure.
General molecular structure.
Amino Acid Chirality
Example using serine.
Example using serine.
Angelic acid.
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Anol
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Anthracene
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Arginine
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Asparagine
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Aspartic Acid
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Aspirin Molecular Structure
Molecular structure of the drug aspirin or acetylsalicylic acid.
Molecular structure of the drug aspirin or acetylsalicylic acid.
Azimethylene
Ring structure.
Ring structure.
Azole
Ring structure.
Ring structure.
Basketane
Basketane fused ring structure.
Basketane fused ring structure.
BARF
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Benzene
Ring structure.
Ring structure.
Benzoic Acid
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Beryllium Fluoride
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Beta Carotene
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
BHA - butylated hydroxyanisole
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
BHT - butylated hydroxytoluene
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Biochemistry of Lycopene
Lycopene is the red pigment in tomatoes and several fruits. Find out more about how this antioxidant protects against cancer and heart disease.
Lycopene is the red pigment in tomatoes and several fruits. Find out more about how this antioxidant protects against cancer and heart disease.
Broken Windowpane
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Caffeine
Molecular structure for caffeine.
Molecular structure for caffeine.
Carbon Dioxide
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Carboxylic Acid Functional Group
Chemical structure.
Chemical structure.
Chlorophyll
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Cholesterol
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Choline
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Corticol
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Cortisone
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
CPPO Chemiluminescence
Molecular structure and reaction.
Molecular structure and reaction.
Cyanidin - An Anthocyanidin
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Cyclobutane
Ring structure.
Ring structure.
Cyclopentadiene
Cyclopentadiene ring structure.
Cyclopentadiene ring structure.
Cyclopentane
Ring structure.
Ring structure.
Cyclopropane
Ring structure.
Ring structure.
Cysteine
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Cytidine
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Cytosine
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
DAMN
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
DEAD - diethyl azodicarboxylate
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
DEAD - diethyl azodicarboxylate
Facts and structure for this molecule with a strange acronym.
Facts and structure for this molecule with a strange acronym.
DEET
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Diaminomaleonitrile
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Diazomethane
Ring structure.
Ring structure.
Diethyl-3-Methyl-Benzamide
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Dimethyltoluamide
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Diphenylpropene
Ring structure.
Ring structure.
Diurea
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
dUMP
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Esarine
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Ester Functional Group
Chemical structure.
Chemical structure.
Ethanedioic Acid
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Ethanoic Acid
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Ether Functional Group
Chemical structure.
Chemical structure.
Ethylbenzene
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Ethylene
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Fenestrane
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Flavol
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Flavone
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Formic Acid
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Furan
Ring structure.
Ring structure.
Germylene
Information about this radical with a strange name.
Information about this radical with a strange name.
Glutamic Acid
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Glutamine
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Glycerol
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Glycine
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Glyoxaline
Ring structure.
Ring structure.
Guanine
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Guanosine
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Heptane
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Hexanedioic Acid
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Histidine
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Imidazole
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Isoazole
Ring structure.
Ring structure.
Isooctane
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Isoprene
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Isopyrrole
Ring structure.
Ring structure.
Ketone Functional Group
Chemical structure.
Chemical structure.
Leucine
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Lidocaine
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Lycopene
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Lysine
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Magic Acid
Learn more about an acid so strong, it's 'magic'!
Learn more about an acid so strong, it's 'magic'!
Malathion
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Malonic Acid
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Methanoic Acid
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Methionine
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Methyl Methacrylate
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Microlite
Does this term refer to something very small and very light? Probably not! Learn more about microlite.
Does this term refer to something very small and very light? Probably not! Learn more about microlite.
N,N'-dicarbamoylhydrazine
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Naphthalene
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Nepetalactone
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Ovalene
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Oxalic Acid
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Oxazole
Ring structure.
Ring structure.
Parathion
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Penguinone
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Pentane
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Periodic Acid
Learn a bit about this chemical that sounds related to the periodic table (but isn't).
Learn a bit about this chemical that sounds related to the periodic table (but isn't).
Phenanthrene
Ring structure.
Ring structure.
Phenylalanine
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Physostigmine
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Porphyrin
Ring structure.
Ring structure.
Proline
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Propanedioic Acid
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Propanoic Acid
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Propylene
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Pyrazole
Ring structure.
Ring structure.
Pyrrole
Ring structure.
Ring structure.
Riboflavin
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Ribose
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Salicylic Acid
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Sarin
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Serine
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
SEX
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Snoutane
Ring structure for the molecule named snoutane.
Ring structure for the molecule named snoutane.
Sodium Ethyl Xanthate
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Styrene
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Sucrose
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Tabun
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
TCPO Chemiluminescence Reaction
Structure and reaction.
Structure and reaction.
Technetium Cow
No, this isn't a type of radioactive bovine! Find out what a 'cow' is and how it is 'milked' to yield a desired radionuclide.
No, this isn't a type of radioactive bovine! Find out what a 'cow' is and how it is 'milked' to yield a desired radionuclide.
Tetrafluoroethylene
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Theobromine
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Thiofuran
Ring structure.
Ring structure.
Thiophene
Ring structure.
Ring structure.
Threonine
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Thujone Structure
Molecular structure of thujone, a terpene found in the plant wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) and the liqueur absinthe.
Molecular structure of thujone, a terpene found in the plant wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) and the liqueur absinthe.
Thymine
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Toluene
Ring structure.
Ring structure.
Tripentafluorophenylborane
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Tryptophan
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Tyrosine
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Uracil
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Uranate
Information about this molecule with a strange name.
Information about this molecule with a strange name.
Uridine
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Valine
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Vanillin - Artificial Vanilla Flavoring
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Vinyl Chloride
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Warfarin
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Windowpane
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Xanthophyll
Molecular structure.
Molecular structure.
Xylene
Ring structures.
Ring structures.
Molecule of the Month
Some visualizations require Chime, Java, or VRML capability. From Paul May, University of Bristol.
Some visualizations require Chime, Java, or VRML capability. From Paul May, University of Bristol.
Molecules of the Month
Multimedia presentations from Karl Harrison, Oxford University.
Multimedia presentations from Karl Harrison, Oxford University.
Molecules of the Month
Computer representations from Henry Rzepa (Imperial College) and Paul May (Bristol University).
Computer representations from Henry Rzepa (Imperial College) and Paul May (Bristol University).
Chemical Structures Starting with the Letter U
Browse structures of molecules and ions that have names beginning with the letter U.
Browse structures of molecules and ions that have names beginning with the letter U.
Chemical Structures Starting with the Letter K
Browse structures of molecules and ions that have names beginning with the letter K.
Browse structures of molecules and ions that have names beginning with the letter K.
Chemical Structures Starting with the Letter R
Browse structures of molecules and ions that have names beginning with the letter R.
Browse structures of molecules and ions that have names beginning with the letter R.
Chemical Structures Starting with the Letter W
Browse structures of molecules and ions that have names beginning with the letter W.
Browse structures of molecules and ions that have names beginning with the letter W.