MolDraw Learn

How to use R groups and labels like Ph and COOH

Beginner 4 min 3 steps

Short answer: Pick the atom label tool, click an atom and type a label such as Ph, COOH or R1. Press Enter to finish.

You will learn to: Type a short label on an atom; Add a COOH group label; Mark an R group.

1 Watch demo2 Try in editor

Watch the demo

Labels in about 20 seconds.

The steps in text

Step 1: Label an atom Ph

  1. Draw one bond with the single bond tool.
  2. Pick the A atom label tool in the left rail.
  3. Click the left atom. Type Ph and press Enter.

Step 2: Label the other end COOH

  1. Keep the label tool picked.
  2. Click the right atom. Type COOH and press Enter.

Step 3: Add an R group

  1. Draw a new bond below the first one.
  2. With the label tool, click its left atom. Type R1 and press Enter.

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 an R group?

Use the atom label tool and type R1 on an atom.

Can MolDraw expand a label like Ph?

Yes. Right click the label and pick expand to see all atoms.

Which labels does MolDraw know?

It knows common groups like Me, Et, Ph, Boc, OMe, NH2 and COOH.

For more detail, read the guide in the docs.