MolDraw Learn

How to draw polymer repeat unit brackets

Beginner 3 min 2 steps

Short answer: Draw one ethylene unit, then drag polymer brackets around it to show polyethylene.

You will learn to: Draw a C-C bond; Add polymer brackets with n.

1 Watch demo2 Try in editor

Watch the demo

Brackets in about 15 seconds.

The steps in text

Step 1: Draw the repeat unit

  1. Pick the single bond tool. Click an empty spot.

Step 2: Add the brackets

  1. Click the [ ] brackets tool in the left rail.
  2. Drag a box over the bond.

Try it in the editor

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

Questions and answers

How do I change n?

Click the subscript under the right bracket and type a new value.

Can I draw copolymers?

Yes. Click the brackets tool again to pick copolymer or parenthesis.

For more detail, read the guide in the docs.