ChemTube3D vs MoleculAR

ChemTube3D is a free chemistry learning resource with interactive three-dimensional structures, animations, and supporting information. It covers organic mechanisms, organic structure and bonding, inorganic chemistry, polymers, and A-level chemistry for students, lecturers, and practising chemists. In a web browser, the JSmol viewer lets users manipulate animated structures. Organic reaction schemes show bond breaking and forming, charges, and lone pairs. Learning designs guide activities built around these visual models. Pages can be embedded in a learning management system or virtual learning environment through LTI; the site reports testing with Canvas and Blackboard, with the LTI tool supplied through OpenOChem. Free iOS and Android apps are available, with the iOS app offering selected Organic Chemistry and Structure and Bonding material. Selected transition-state models can be downloaded in STL and X3D formats for 3D printing. ChemTube3D also provides virtual labs, molecular modeling, and reaction simulation.

MoleculAR is a free augmented-reality app for chemistry learning on Android and iOS. Users scan QR codes to open three-dimensional models of molecules, molecular geometries, and orbitals, then rotate and zoom them for different views. The app focuses on VSEPR molecular geometry and visualizing complicated molecules. A downloadable QR library provides available structures at no cost. Its reference includes molecules, s, p, d, and f orbitals, plus animations for Newman projection, the SN2 reaction, and ring flip. The maker describes MoleculAR for students and educators in chemistry education and accepts feedback or requests for new molecules by email. The privacy policy says the app does not collect data, while third-party services may collect identifying information. Error logs may include an IP address, device name, operating-system version, and usage date and time. The service does not address individuals under age 13.