ChemSketch: How to convert a chemical structure between 2D and 3D formats.

Description

This article covers the process of generating a 3D model from an existing 2D drawing, optimizing the structure to obtain accurate 3D geometry, and switching between 2D and 3D views during editing.

Solution

1. Draw or open the 2D structure in ChemSketch.
   1. Switch to the 3D Viewer and click the 3D Optimization button.
2. Alternatively, you can use the 3D Optimization button directly in ChemSketch to generate a 3D structure.
   1. Adjust the 3D view as needed using the tools provided to rotate, zoom, and inspect bond lengths and angles.
   2. Switch back to ChemSketch to continue working with your 2D drawing.

To share 3D structures with other software:

• Save or export the structure in a format that supports 3D coordinates (e.g., MOL, SDF). Make sure to use the 3D Optimization button before exporting to ensure correct 3D geometry.
• After importing the file into the target software, check that stereochemistry and bonding are correct.