From crystal structure to 3D printing to virtual reality in the classroom

We introduce a pedagogical approach to teaching structural chemistry in which students at all academic levels obtain .cif files from readily accessible crystal structure databases, print the corresponding structures using a 3D printer, and visualize the molecules within a virtual platform to acquire a full 360° view of the molecules. This engaging, active learning in-class activity enhances students' understanding of key topics in a chemistry curriculum, such as coordination chemistry, symmetry elements, aromaticity, conjugation, crystallography, and many other topics that are often challenging to grasp using traditional one-dimensional tools (<i>e.g.</i>, chemical formulas in lecture notes) or two-dimensional representations (<i>e.g.</i>, textbook diagrams, PowerPoint presentations, or whiteboard drawings).