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I'm in the process of writing a couple science tests. Rather than scan in images from the book (which would involve using the scanner downstairs, and be a big headache), I usually look for equivalent images online. So I was looking for stick-diagrams of molecules . . . and found this.
It's that CUTE? Very clever, too! Posts: 32919 | Registered: Mar 2003
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I might've paid more attention to science class if the molecules were shaped like coffee cups. Posts: 2208 | Registered: Feb 2004
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Yeah, but the caffeine formula is represented as a planar molecule. Anybody know what the 3dimensional molecule looks like? Do the two CH3s actually bend toward each other as in the coffee cup drawing?
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It is close to planar. The coffee-cup pic clearly was bending the molecule. But pentavalent carbon is a whole different ball'a'wax.
Posts: 32919 | Registered: Mar 2003
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but there's a faint line instead of a bond line where I think you think the 5-line carbon is...?
Posts: 1261 | Registered: Apr 2004
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Talking about the double bond between N(itrogen) and CH3(methyl) from the bottom center to middle center of the cup potion of the mug. The three H(ydrogen) bonds with the C(arbon) plus the C(arbon) double bond with N(itrogen) makes five bonds, ie pentavalent carbon.
So how come nobody is bothered by the (four bonds) tetravalent nitrogen?
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A geek woulda mentioned a nitromethane kick for morning dragsters. And then wondered why s/he was gettin' strange looks from those overhearing the comment.
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I'm willing to grant them artistic licence as far as bending bonds and distorting bond lengths goes. Who really needs stearics anyway? But there's a line, and that line lies with pentavalent carbons!
Ammonia (NH3) <---> Ammonium (NH4)
The body takes ruthless advantage of the fact that nitrogen is pretty stable when it has to hold a positive charge. It's the electron sink of choice, baby!
I kinda gave you a weird look when you brought up nitromethane, but that's because I was thinking about toxicities. Which I guess means I'm too geeky for that joke. Ba BAM!
Posts: 3243 | Registered: Apr 2002
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