A 5-Day Add-on Course on ChemDraw Was Conducted

A 5-day add-on course on ChemDraw, a widely used chemical structure drawing and molecular visualization software. The workshop aimed to enhance students’ digital proficiency in chemistry by training them in accurate structure drawing, IUPAC nomenclature, stereochemistry, spectral representation, and reaction mechanisms. The course combined theoretical understanding with extensive hands-on practice.

Resource Person: Dr. Raj Badekar
Dates: 17–20 November 2025
Coordinator: Mrs. Namrata N Jha

Technical Learnings:
A. Ligand Nomenclature and Classification: The training provided in-depth guidance on writing and annotating coordination compounds using ChemDraw in accordance with IUPAC rules.
●    Numerical Prefixes: Special conventions were explained for ligands that already contain numerical prefixes in their names.
●    Use of Multiplicative Prefixes:
○    Bis – used when two identical ligands are present.
○    Tris – used when three identical ligands are present.
○    Tetrakis / Polykis – used for four or more identical ligands.
●    Denticity of Ligands:
○    Polydentate Ligands: Ligands containing more than one donor atom capable of donating electron pairs to the central metal atom.
○    Bidentate Ligands: Ligands that coordinate to a metal ion through two donor atoms simultaneously.
ChemDraw tools were used to correctly draw, label, and name these complexes.

B. Stereochemistry and 3D Representation: A major component of the workshop focused on representing three-dimensional molecular geometry on a two-dimensional platform.
●    Wedge and Dash Projection:
○    Solid Wedge (Dark Bond): Indicates a bond projecting out of the plane toward the observer.
○    Hashed Wedge (Dotted/Dash Bond): Indicates a bond projecting into the plane away from the observer.
●    Geometrical Isomerism (E and Z):
○    ChemDraw’s capability to identify and label E (Entgegen) and Z (Zusammen) isomers was demonstrated based on priority rules and spatial arrangement around double bonds.
●    3D Visualization:
○    Conversion of 2D structures into 3D models to understand bond angles, molecular geometry, and spatial orientation.

C. Software Tools, Shortcuts, and Advanced Features: Students were trained to improve efficiency using ChemDraw’s built-in tools and shortcuts.
●    Structure-to-Name / Name-to-Structure Conversion:
○    Shortcut: Shift + Ctrl + N
○    Function: Generates systematic IUPAC names from drawn structures and converts chemical names into corresponding structures.
●    Reaction Drawing Tools:
○    Use of arrows to represent reaction pathways.
○    Writing stepwise reaction mechanisms clearly and systematically.
●    Spectral Representation:
○    Drawing and interpretation-related exposure to IR spectra, ¹H NMR, and ¹³C NMR.
○    Labeling peaks and associating them with functional groups and carbon environments.

D. Assignments and Practical Exposure: Assignments were given to students to reinforce learning outcomes, including:
●    Drawing organic and inorganic chemical structures.
●    Writing complete reaction mechanisms using appropriate arrows.
●    Preparing IR, ¹H NMR, and ¹³C NMR representations.
●    Applying correct IUPAC nomenclature using ChemDraw tools.


The ChemDraw add-on course proved to be highly beneficial in strengthening students’ practical and digital skills in chemistry. The training enhanced understanding of ligand nomenclature (Bis, Tris, Polydentate ligands), stereochemical representations (wedge and dash notation, E/Z isomerism), spectral interpretation, and reaction mechanism writing. The use of shortcuts and 3D visualization tools significantly improved accuracy, efficiency, and clarity in chemical documentation. Overall, the workshop successfully bridged theoretical chemistry with modern digital applications, preparing students for academic research and professional requirements.