Question

I was just wondering what the best option is for getting chemical structures/reactions in LaTeX. Should I just draw the molecule in ChemDraw/ChemSketch then export it to LaTeX or is there a particular set of packages that would be better in the long run?

Answer 1

To depict chemical structures and reactions in LaTeX, you can use dedicated packages such as Chemfig or import images from programs like ChemDraw. Learning LaTeX packages offers flexibility and consistency for document integration, whereas external tools might be easier for complex structures.

Step-by-step explanation:

For presenting chemical structures and reactions in LaTeX, there are specific packages that can be used, such as Chemfig, mhchem, or ChemStyle, which are powerful for typesetting chemical equations and structures.

If complex molecules are involved, it may be beneficial to use external tools like ChemDraw or ChemSketch to draw the molecule and then import the image into LaTeX.

However, for the long-term flexibility and integration, learning to use LaTeX packages may provide better consistency and easier adjustments within your documents.

In cases where the molecule's structure is crucial, and you need to portray the shape or 3D configuration accurately, starting with a sketch of the molecules and bonds is important to ensure that all are represented correctly.

This helps in maintaining the scientific accuracy of the diagrams, especially when depicting the molecule made in the lab may differ from the one drawn on paper, compelling chemists to reassess their illustration methods.