How to use abbreviations like OMe, Boc and Ph

An abbreviation is a short label that stands for a group of atoms, such as Me (methyl), OMe (methoxy) or Ph (phenyl). When Athanor knows the abbreviation, it counts every atom in it: a chain ending in OMe is listed in Layers as C3H8O, the formula of methyl ethyl ether.

Type a label

1. Point at the atom that carries the group.
2. Press Enter, type the label, for example OMe, and press Enter again.

Draw it out

Select the structure and choose Object › Expand labels. Each label Athanor knows is drawn out as its atoms and bonds.

If a label is not one Athanor knows, it says "Athanor does not know how to expand that label" and leaves it as it is. Check the formula in Layers: a label Athanor does not know is not counted in it, so draw that group out by hand when the numbers matter.

Turn atoms back into a label

Select the atoms of the group and choose Object › Contract to label. Common groups, such as OMe, Boc and Ph, get their usual label.

Your own abbreviation

Select the atoms of a group you use often and choose Object › Define abbreviation… to name it as a label of your own, such as PMPh.