Elemental

This app is similar to ChemDraw and is a game changer for undergraduates who don’t have access to a desk top computer as ChemDraw is only available for Mac and Microsoft. In some cases, is it even better than ChemDraw as it allows the user to preselect different cyclic ring structures, such as furans, thiophene and pyrazole for ease of use.

User Interface: 0.50/1.0 Relatively intuitive UI with easy-to-understand function icons. The overall design is slightly blurry which makes the application look relatively old and the responsiveness has an ever so slight delay from click to function. The clicks are unforgiving when placing atoms on the page and you must be very precise with your clicks. You have to get used to creating atomic bonds such as C-C bonds where you click the atom you want to bond, hold your finger, and drag but once you get the hang of it, it’s an easy function to complete. Having functions like the periodic table function is useful when you want to choose a certain heteroatom, this is quick and easy. 

 

In App Purchases: No, 1.0

 

Accuracy: 1.0/1.0 This app was found to be an accurate source of chemical information with correct bond numbers and points out with a disclaimer if a bond is incompatible for instance, a pentavalent carbon will show a warning sign around the invalid atom. The chemical names and formulas for preselected commonly used molecules were all seen to be correctly named and drawn true to their name.  

 

Scope: 1.0/1.0 The scope matched its intended audience, for undergraduates this app is a worthy tool for projects completed on an iPad. It could be aimed at research level but from the sensitivity issues, this may become a little futile and ChemDraw would be better utilised instead. Overall, the level of complexity is right on the mark at undergraduate level and would be used as a tool for lab reports and projects. 

 

Platform Accessibility: 0.50/1.0 (iPad and iPhone only)

 

OVERALL SCORE 4.0/5.0

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