Ball-and-stick model

The stick model, also called lattice model is a three dimensional representation of a molecular structure, the ( covalent ) bonds between atoms are shown in stick form. For purely ionic compounds there is the analogous lattice model.

Delineated representation default thereof are the line model (thin lines ), the ball -and-stick and space-filling. For large proteins, there is the band model.

The illustration can be real or virtual. Reell in the form zusammengestifteter plastic or metal tubes or even suspension - there are kits of very different qualities - virtually as a perspective image, given the coordinates is arbitrary rotation, for example, with a special image viewer on the monitor, or as a stereo image.

Rod models have the advantage that stereochemical aspects of molecules and intramolecular processes of torsion and rotation can be made ​​visible. In this case, all the atoms are always displayed - in contrast to the skeleton of formula where the hydrogen atoms are omitted.

In the sticks model the atomic bonds are usually represented as a linear compounds of the atomic centers. The bond angles and bond lengths correspond ideally to scale the calculated or measured conditions. Multiple bonds are rarely made ​​as such immediately recognizable. By not represent the performance space of the atoms, granted the rod with respect to the space-filling model a better look deep into the interior structure of larger molecules.

The color scheme of the atoms is the same as in the space-filling after the CPK model.

History

Such models are demonstrated for the second half of the 19th century, initially with incorrect geometry.

• Chemical formula