Our General Chemistry kit consists of metal clusters representing atoms and colored tubing representing the bonds made to adjoining atoms. Using the tubing and clusters the atoms are interconnected to construct three dimensional models of molecules making it easier to see the arrangement and geometry of the atoms.  Our new clear case has integral hinges, latches shut and is small enough to be carried in your purse or backpack.  There are enough pieces to build a multitude of molecules.

Clusters                                               Tubing

 8  Tetrahedral                                    9 Black

10  Trigonal Bipyramidal                 9 Red

10  Octagonal                                      9 Blue

12 Angles                                              9 White

 8 Pins                                                     9 Dark Green

                                                                  9 Light Green

                                                                  9 Orange

                                                                  6 Brown

                                                                  6 Purple

                                                                  6 Dark Yellow

                                                                  6 Gray

 Lewis Structures

  Drawing Lewis Structures can confuse students about the 3D geometry and properties of molecules and ions. Tetravalent central atoms lead to three dimensional molecules.  Our models show the student the differences between electronic and molecular geometries and give valuable insights into molecular polarity.  The metal clusters included are suitable for creating linear, angular, trigonal planar, tetrahedral, trigonal pyramidal, trigonal bipyramidal, See-saw, T-shaped, octahedral, square pyramidal and square planar geometries.   The pictures on the right show the trivalent trigonal planar, tetravalent tetrahedron, pentavalent trigonal bipyramidal and hexavalent octahedral molecular geometries.  The expanded octet clusters are especially useful.



Co-ordination Compounds

   Co-ordination compounds and their expanded octet central atoms create a myriad of isomerism issues for the spatially challenged.  Included are cis/ trans, medial/facial and R and S stereo isomers that can be quickly and easily built.  Enough angle pins are included to build several poly-dentate ligands at once.  The metal clusters included are suitable for creating trigonal bipyramidal (5 ligand) and octahedral (6 ligand) geometries

The General Chemistry Kit is small enough to be easily backpacked or carried in your purse.