Bead Chain Molecular Models of Regular Polyhedranes

金必耀-電子雲價球分子組合模型 化學 第七十七卷第一期 99-109 頁, 2019.

Bih-Yaw Jin, Valence Sphere Models Comprising of One-Dimensional Bead Chains: Polyhedranes as Molecular Assembly Puzzles, CHEMISTRY (Chemical Society Located in Taipei) Vol. 77, No. 1, pp. 99-109, 2019. DOI: 10.6623/chem.201903_77(1).001

This research article details methods for constructing molecular models of polyhedranes—cage-like hydrocarbon molecules—using bead chains. The authors present solutions for building models of tetrahedrane, cubane, and dodecahedrane, transforming the construction problem into a combinatorial puzzle solved via Schlegel diagrams. They propose a conjecture that any C2nH2n hydrocarbon can be built with n five-bead chains. The article includes detailed construction instructions and discusses the mathematical and chemical principles involved. The process is framed as a unique type of puzzle with aesthetically pleasing results.

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