This molecular model-building lab is designed to help you develop a mental model that gives a three-dimensional image to two-dimensional Lewis structures that you draw on paper. It will also help you get a better picture of the different kinds of isomers that are possible with some molecular formulas.

Click here for information about isomers and molecular and structural formulas.

1. Sketch the Lewis structure, then build the model of the molecules. Note if they are 3-dimensional, 2-dimensional or 1-dimensional in shape.

   a. methane	ethane	ethene	ethyne
   b. cyclopentene	1-propanol	2-propanol	NH3

2. Name each of the following organic compounds, then draw out the structural formulas. Show how many different isomers are possible with each one and name them.
   1. C₂H₅OH   &   C₃H₇OH

   2. C₆H₁₂   &   C₆H₁₄

   3. C₄H₉OH   &   C₅H₁₁OH

   4. C₂H₄(OH)₂   &  C₃H₅(OH)₃

   5. C₂H₆O   &   C₃H₆O

3. Make a model of the organic acid you are assigned. Use the Merek Index to find the name and structural formula. Give chemical and physical properties (2-3 of each) and one or two uses. Sketch and then build the model.

4. Draw a structural formula for each of the following substituted hydrocarbons and state to what class of organic compound each one belongs. Then make a model of each of them.

   1-butanol	diethyl ether	acetone	ethanal
   formaldehyde	dimethyl amine	acetic acid	ethyl acetate

How does the three dimensional nature of an alkane change as double and/or triple bonds are formed.
Is there a formula for how the number of isomers for an alkane relates to the number of carbon atoms?