Organic Molecule Builder
Build organic molecules atom by atom, watch functional groups get detected automatically, follow a step-by-step IUPAC naming walkthrough, and explore both 2D and 3D structure — a small virtual organic chemistry lab.
Atoms
Drag onto the canvas, or click/tap to add near the center. Hydrogens fill in automatically.
Understanding Organic Structure & Naming
What is a functional group?
A functional group is a specific arrangement of atoms within a molecule — like a hydroxyl (–OH) or carbonyl (C=O) group — that behaves predictably and gives the molecule its characteristic chemical reactivity, regardless of the rest of the carbon skeleton it sits on.
How does IUPAC nomenclature work?
IUPAC names are built systematically: identify the highest-priority (principal) functional group, find the longest chain or ring containing it, number that chain to give the principal group the lowest possible position, name any branches as substituent prefixes, and combine everything into one word using standard prefixes and suffixes.
What is the difference between a chain and a ring parent structure?
A parent chain is a straight or branched sequence of carbon atoms (like propane), while a parent ring is a closed loop of atoms (like cyclohexane or benzene). When a functional group sits directly on a ring, the ring itself usually becomes the parent structure for naming purposes.
Why do 2D and 3D structures both matter?
A 2D structural (bond-line) diagram is quick to draw and shows exactly how atoms connect, but it flattens real molecular shape. A 3D model shows the true tetrahedral, trigonal planar, or linear geometry around each atom — which is essential for understanding reactivity, polarity, and how molecules fit together.