Support

Q: What is a skeletal formula?

A: A skeletal formula (also called a bond-line diagram) is the standard way to draw molecular structures in chemistry. Carbon atoms are implied at vertices and line endpoints, hydrogen atoms on carbons are omitted, and heteroatoms (N, O, S, etc.) are shown explicitly. It's the most common diagram type in organic chemistry textbooks and papers.

Q: What is SMILES notation?

A: SMILES (Simplified Molecular-Input Line-Entry System) is a text-based way to represent molecular structures. For example, c1ccccc1 represents benzene, and CC(=O)Oc1ccccc1C(=O)O represents aspirin. You can paste SMILES strings directly into the App to render diagrams without needing an internet connection.

Q: My molecule search returned no results. What should I try?

A: Try the following:

• Check the spelling of the molecule name
• Try an alternative name (e.g., "acetylsalicylic acid" instead of "aspirin")
• Search by molecular formula (e.g., C9H8O4)
• Search by CAS number if you have it (e.g., 50-78-2)
• Paste the SMILES string directly if you have one

Q: The diagram doesn't look right. What can I do?

A: The rendering engine handles most common molecules well, but complex structures may occasionally render imperfectly. Try adjusting the size or theme settings. If the issue persists, please email me with the molecule name or SMILES string so I can investigate.

Q: Do I need an internet connection?

A: An internet connection is required for searching molecules by name, formula, or CAS number (these use the PubChem API). However, if you enter a SMILES string directly, the diagram renders entirely in your browser with no internet needed.

Q: What molecules can I search for?

A: The App can search over 119 million molecules in the PubChem database. This covers virtually every molecule you'd encounter in education, research, or industry — from simple molecules like water to complex drugs and natural products.

Q: Can I use the diagrams in my publications or educational materials?

A: Yes! The diagrams you generate are yours to use freely for any purpose — personal, educational, or commercial. Molecular structures are scientific facts and are not subject to copyright.

Q: The "Add to Design" button is disabled. Why?

A: The button is disabled until a valid molecule has been selected and a diagram has been rendered in the preview. Make sure you've selected a molecule from the search results or entered a valid SMILES string.

Q: I'm getting a network error when searching.

A: This usually means the PubChem API is temporarily unavailable. Wait a moment and try again. If the issue persists, you can still use the App by entering SMILES strings directly.