Chirality is a concept central to the understanding of stereochemistry. For chemistry majors, molecular symmetry, stereoisomerism, and optical activity is foundational to understanding enantiomeric excess, resolution techniques, and spectroscopic tools like circular dichroism (CD) which detects the difference in absorption of left and right circularly polarized light.
Biology majors need emphasis on the biochemical consequences of chirality. Enantiomers may have drastically different biological activity where enzyme specificity hinges on chirality & relates to receptor-ligand recognition, drug efficacy/toxicity & more (see glucose).
Orbit Foundation basic molecular models provide a tactile visual aid that makes abstract concepts intuitive whether studying energy transitions in spectroscopy or substrate fit in enzyme catalysis.
Indigo Instruments has held inventory of genuine Cochranes of Oxford (Orbit) atoms & bonds for 30+ years. These parts are compatible with every molecular model set we have sold since day 1. This quality may appear expensive but no parts support from other vendors costs even more.
Illustrates a simple single chiral center (2-hydroxypropanoic acid)
L- vs D-lactic acid matters in metabolism and clinical lactate measurements
Alanine (Amino Acid)
Classic α-chiral carbon example with R/S and L/D notation
Only L-amino acids are used in protein synthesis
Thalidomide
Demonstrates enantiomer-dependent activity and chirality in drug safety
One enantiomer therapeutic, the other teratogenic – historical case study
Glucose
Shows multiple chiral centers and stereoisomerism (D- vs L-glucose)
D-glucose is the body’s primary energy source; L-glucose not metabolized
Ibuprofen
Example of a common pharmaceutical with a single chiral carbon
S-enantiomer is active as an anti-inflammatory; R-form largely inactive
Citalopram
Illustrates how chirality impacts drug potency and specificity
Only the S-enantiomer (escitalopram) is an effective antidepressant
Citric Acid (achiral control)
Useful comparator to highlight what makes a carbon chiral
No stereoisomers – helps students contrast chiral vs achiral molecules
Why Orbit-Style Molecular Models Work Better for Teaching Chirality
Not all models handle chirality demonstrations equally well. Here's where the Orbit Set 68845NV excels:
Easier Mirror-Image Construction.
a) Start with two methane models as a base.
b) Substitute terminal atoms (e.g., white , red, green, blue) while preserving geometry.
Superior for Classroom Demonstration
Unlike Darling or Molymod, the Orbit system readily allows instructors to quickly swap terminal atoms to demonstrate enantiomerism
Cleaner Atom Representation
The smaller atoms and stiff bonds make aligning structures & tracking individual substituents in mirror image easier for students to identify.
Cost-Effective for Group Learning
Compared to the Darling system, Orbit sets are more affordable, yet offer the same educational value and are ideal for group learning or lab station work.
This set does it all whether you are a chemistry major, engineer or biologist who needs 1 only chemistry credit. See if you can make non-superimposable models of alkanes, alkenes, aromatics, sugars-use our free Indigo® Instruments 3D Molecular Model Builder to visualize compounds the way they appear in your text book.
If you are an instructor who sometimes has to demonstrate chirality multiple times, take a look at the video for our magnetic version of the same model. A bit of fun & a timesaver too!
This model kit is great for improving knowledge of molecular structures for organic chemistry.
— Jan
2020-05-31
I bought the product for a university class and it met expectations. Great service and fast shipping.
— Miri
— Indigo: Thank you for the review. Good luck this term.
2019-09-23
Great product, fast shipping, excellent customer service!
— Courtney
2019-08-15
Bought two of these because I prefer them to the one used at the university. Easy to use and has a good flexibility.
— Thierry
2018-04-16
I've had consistently great service from this company. Our students seem to really appreciate the reasonable price. In the years that we've used this product, not one has been returned due to defects.
— Becki
— Indigo:
Considering how many of these we sell to schools every year, that is high praise indeed. Thanks letting us know.
