MolDraw Learn

How to draw a reaction scheme with arrows

Beginner 6 min 4 steps

Short answer: Draw the starting material, add a reaction arrow, draw the product, then type the reagents above the arrow.

You will learn to: Draw a reactant; Add a reaction arrow; Draw the product; Type reagents on the scheme.

1 Watch demo2 Try in editor

Watch the demo

A reaction scheme in about 25 seconds.

The steps in text

Step 1: Draw ethene on the left

  1. Draw one bond on the left side of the canvas.
  2. Make it a double bond with the bond menu or 2.

Step 2: Add a reaction arrow

  1. Pick the reaction arrow tool in the left rail.
  2. Drag from right of ethene toward the right.

Step 3: Draw ethane on the right

  1. Pick Single in the bond menu.
  2. Click an empty spot to the right of the arrow.

Step 4: Type the reagents

  1. Pick the Text tool (the T in the tools row).
  2. Click just above the arrow. Type H2, Pd. Press Esc.

Try it in the editor

The full MolDraw editor opens here. It loads when you open this tab.

Questions and answers

How do I add reagents to an arrow?

Use the Text tool and type above or below the arrow.

Can I draw equilibrium arrows?

Yes. Open the arrow menu and pick Equilibrium.

Can I copy a reaction as SMILES?

Yes. Copy SMILES gives reaction SMILES like A>>B when an arrow is on the canvas.

For more detail, read the guide in the docs.