Animation of Chemical Reactions -Computer Microscope-

Abstract

A chemical equation itself is not going to tell us the reason why a particular reaction proceeds. It is our aim to produce a teaching material to make students marvel at chemical reactions and experience the joy of discovering the why of these reactions. The CG animations of chemical reactions were produced based on quantum chemical calculations. We call these animations Computer Microscope. The QT-VR was used to allow the student to rotate molecules of reactant, transition state, and product. This feature helps students to have the sense of touching the molecule as well as the case of the molecular model. The movies of the rotating HOMO and LUMO combinations help the student to understand what plays an important role in bond formation and scission. The Computer Microscope is an effective tool for better understanding how and why chemical reactions occur.