Comparative Evaluation Of Freely Available Chemical Structure Drawing Softwares

Various Chemical Structure Drawing Softwares are available on the internet for free download and use for academic and research purposes. Some of these softwares namely ACD/ChemSketch 10.0, Draw It, BKchem 0.12.0, MolWorks 2.0 were downloaded with their supplement literature and evaluated on the basis of salient features with an aim to assess their features comparatively for their uses in academics and research in chemistry. The features included in the studies are drawing of chemical structures, Main menu and menu tiles, drawing of bonds and numbering, drawing operations, drawing of glassware and assemblies, name to drawn structure, determination of physicochemical properties, 2D to 3D conversion of structures, pasting of structures, cleaning the structure and special features. Teachers in academic institutions may adopt these softwares for academic and research purposes. A thorough knowledge of these softwares may be provided to students either in chemistry practical or in some workshop or computer application practicals.