This is our official list in search of the best organic chemistry model kit on the market today. Scroll further down for full details on each product and a beginners guide to organic chemistry model kits.
Quick Look:
- 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Organic Chemistry Molecular Model Student Set by Duluth Labs
- 4.5 out of 5.0 stars Molymod MMS-008 Organic Chemistry Molecular Model
- 4.5 out of 5.0 stars Students Modeling Set for Organic Chemistry by Hensah
- 4.5 out of 5.0 stars Organic Chemistry Model Kit with Instructional Guide
- 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Molecular Model Kit for Organic & Inorganic Chemistry by University Chemistry Co.
We know time is of the essence, so the above is a cheat sheet of what’s ahead, just in case your’re in a hurry. Otherwise, keep scrolling down for more detailed and constructive info on each item.
5 Highest Reviewed Organic Chemistry Model Kits
Whether you’re new to chemistry or a serious student or scientist, there’s an organic chemistry model kit perfect for your needs. We have searched the web and have found some of the best out there.
The kits featured here range from introductory kits for young investigative students to advanced kits ready to build chemicals models of all types.
Learn to make models of many organic molecules and also to illustrate various forms of isomerism in organic systems. These kits are the best on the market so you can buy with confidence.
1.) Organic Chemistry Molecular Model Student Set by Duluth Labs
Duluth Labs Organic Chemistry Molecular Model Set gives students an excellent visual and physical illustrative of molecules. Contains 54 atoms to provide hands-on experience for learning chemistry functional groups and molecular structures.
Improve learning and memorization by conveying functional atomic groups using color-coded model representations of atomic units. The simple yet durable design provides students with an enjoyable learning experience.
You can visually create common functional groups such as ketones, aldehydes, alcohols, thiols, amines, aromatics and most other families of organic compounds. This kit is one of the top selling ones on the market.
Easy assembly and quick disassembly help make it easy to explore and practice what is being learned through play. Productive learning is provided with practice and exploring with this set.
PROS
- Containing 54 atoms helps to provide a better visualization of atomic structure for students
- Made from high-quality durable plastic that will handle years of use
- Instructions are detailed and easy to use and include a color identification list
CONS
- Some pieces may not be as flexible as others
- Parts are made and inspected in China
2.) Molymod MMS-008 Organic Chemistry Molecular Model
Molymod’s Organic Chemistry Molecular Model MMS-008 provides a set of color-coded atomic parts that gives students a physical representative of atomic structure.
This model helps to promote memorization and understanding of chemical compounds. 50 plastic color-coded atom parts and 64 links. These provide ample material for compound construction.
Atom parts range from 17mm to 23mm in diameter and represent carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, hydrogen, sulfur, phosphorus, halogen, and metal. The Molymod Organic Chemistry Molecular Model set encourages an enhanced learning experience for grades 7-12.
Pieces are color coded to national standards for identifying ease. This helps to visually exhibit practical atomic groups. It comes with 26 medium length gray links, 12 flexible long gray links, 26 short white links, one link remover tool, and instructions.
A thoughtful plastic container is included with four compartments for easy storage and transport. This organic chemistry model kit certainly delivers and would be a great learning tool to have in your library.
PROS
- 50 plastic color-coded atom parts and 64 links provide ample material for compound construction
- Includes plastic container with four compartments for easy storage and transport
- For grades 7-12
CONS
- Pieces may be hard to connect at times
- Contains small pieces that could easily be lost if not looked after
3.) Molecular Model Kit – Students Modeling Set for Organic Chemistry by Hensah
The Organic Chemistry Model kit from Hensah is an excellent medium for students to learn the basic, as well as more advanced chemical structures. A fun and interactive way of teaching and displaying molecular structure for students of all ages.
This model has pieces color-coded to CPK standard, making differentiating atoms from one another easier. This kit also presents atoms and bond pieces are suited well to be connected and disconnected with ease.
A multi-purpose model kit is great for representing 3D models of basic, and even complex chemical compounds. With 123 total pieces to work with, many different chemical combinations await.
Atoms and bonds come with an elegant box with compartments for easy and convenient storage. This is a smart choice to meet your needs.
PROS
- 123 high-quality plastic pieces foretell extended use
- We include an elegant box containing compartments for convenience of storage
- Order today 100% RISK-FREE, satisfaction guaranteed
CONS
- Small pieces may have a chance of becoming
- Can be flimsy between sticks and carbon balls
4.) Organic Chemistry Model Kit with Instructional Guide
Organic Chemistry Model Kit by Old Nobby is a 239-total piece set used for aid in visualizing, studying, and understanding molecular structures and their bonding.
Allowing students and teachers to present a 3D model of a variety of organic chemical bonds and structure. This set can help to offer a more physical representation of chemical bonds and their respective reactions.
Teachers and students alike can find aid and support in the flexibility in creation with this kit. Allows for simple modeling activities that can be extended into more complex examples.
PROS
- 86 atom pieces and 153 make simple and complex models possible
- Link remover tool provides an ease of link removal for model disassembly
- Quality pieces assure for well-fitted connections
CONS
- Smaller pieces could become lost with improper storage
- Case doesn’t close well once all the pieces are put back after use
5.) Molecular Model Kit for Organic & Inorganic Chemistry by University Chemistry Co.
This spectacular 140-piece Molecular Model Kit for Organic & Inorganic Chemistry by University Chemistry Co. gives students a fun and interactive way to learn about chemical compounds.
In total 50 atom pieces made up of 10 different elements along with 70 links serve to yield many different chemical structures.
This kit serves to give a hands-on experience for aspiring chemistry enthusiasts or students studying in a formal class. This kit is constructed of durable plastic, serving a student long through their studies.
PROS
- A variety of color-coded pieces provide essential element representation
- Slim carrying case provided for ease of travel and organization
- An included remover tool and well-fitted pieces make for easy usage
CONS
- A guide for construction is not included
Brief Guide to Organic Chemistry Model Kits
Organic chemistry is the study of compounds that contain carbon. Study includes the structure of the compounds, their properties, how they react and how they are prepared. It not only includes naturally found compounds, but also synthetic compounds made by humans. Branches of organic chemistry include pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, food and paint among others.
What Are They?
Molecular model kits are used to help visualise the structure of these compounds. Some are just for organic chemistry but others are for inorganic chemistry too, which is the study of the compounds that are left after all the organic ones are taken out. These kits tend to be used frequently for 7th to 12th grade students of chemistry, and also for college students who are studying organic chemistry.
Organic chemistry is central to a lot of the US economy and it is found in fuel, plastics, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, dyes, rubber, and more. Organic chemists work in many different fields, and spend most of their time developing new compounds. There are also organic chemists who spend time researching the properties of existing compounds.
Typical kits include atoms and elements which are color coded plastic balls, and then plastic links to connect them together. They usually come in a storage box with compartments to keep everything in order, and should also have instructions to help you get started. The elements that are commonly included in a kit like this are carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen, sulphur, oxygen, chlorine.
Carbon has specific angles that atoms can be arranged at around it, and a model kit can help you visualise these. It shows you how to draw them and gives you a better idea of what the tetrahedral, trigonal planar and linear geometry looks like.
Who Can Benefit?
If you are an organic chemistry student, or have someone in your family who is, a kit like this will really help you to visualise the structure in 3D and rotate it around to see it from different angles. Often with organic chemistry problems, pulling out a model like this can help you to solve it.
Why is it needed? One of the most important skills in organic chemistry is being able to think in 3 dimensions because the reason that these compounds do what they do is because of their shape. Even professors will use molecular model kits to understand molecular structure.
A model kit is a great hands on way of learning, which will make it fun for your kids when they are studying something that otherwise might be hard to get their head around.
If you are a tactile or kinaesthetic learner, then you should definitely buy one of these, as you may be able to understand molecular structure in a way that you can’t just from looking at books, computer screens and diagrams.
Maybe you are a chemist and you sometimes need to explain things to colleagues who don’t have the same background in chemistry that you do. You might want to buy one of these kits just to help you explain what you’re talking about.
Or you might be a teacher who needs some visual aids to help you teach – again this is the perfect kit if you’re teaching molecular structure in organic chemistry.
What To Look For?
Ball and stick model kits are very easy to use as they make sense and are simple to put together. For these the atoms and elements are pictured as balls, and the bonds as sticks. The bonds usually come in different sizes and often the smaller bonds are stiff and the longer ones flexible so that you can bend them into whatever shape results from the molecular structure.
On the other hand some colleges will want you to get the type of kit that illustrates a carbon atom as a tetrahedral shape with four sticks, since it has four bonds. The bonds are already arranged at the correct angle of 109.5 degrees, and many professional chemists use this type of kit for research.
Kits come in different sizes – the smaller ones would be fine for 7th to 12th grade, but you might want to pick a larger one if you are studying organic chemistry at college or teach it. Also if you plan to build larger molecules then you may need a larger kit.
What To Avoid?
If you are studying organic chemistry, then don’t get the type of kit that is for both organic and inorganic chemistry as these kits usually have fewer carbon atoms, which you will need more of.
Avoid buying a kit that doesn’t come with instructions or charts, as you will probably need these to help you get started with building molecules. It is also wise to get a good brand with positive reviews, as otherwise you may end up with a kit that is hard to assemble or pull apart.
There are also space-filling model kits available – here the atoms are large and they stick closely together so that it’s hard to see the angle of the attachments. They tend to fall apart and are really only good for display.
FAQ
What kind of problems might these kits help me with?
Examples of problems you might encounter in organic chemistry that you could use a kit for are a Newman Projection, chair conformations, stereochemistry and chiral centers.
Are there alternatives to buying a model kit?
You could make your own with toothpicks or spaghetti and marshmallows, but they wouldn’t be color coded! You can also draw diagrams, but these would be 2 dimensional.
Can you use model kits in exams?
Often professors at college will let students bring their model kits with them to exams. However many students say they don’t use them because it’s quicker just to draw the model. But they are a good crutch and fall back to have if your brain goes blank.
How should I use the kit?
It is a good idea if you are studying organic chemistry at college, to use it to practice building key molecular structures following the instructions that come with it. Use it to learn functional groups, conformational analysis and stereochemistry.
Wrapping Up
The very best organic chemistry model kits reviewed here make it hard to choose just one. They all represent the highest-rated you can find. The best kits for beginners will have a money back guarantees or detailed instructions.
Hands on experience provide an interactive way to learn about compounds. Look for what meets your needs and skill level. Enjoy the benefits of learning through play.