# Chemical Detectives

> Educational app for solving and naming organic molecular structures. (iPhone/iPad app by Darren Smith.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chemical-detectives/id741760895 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Darren Smith](https://appshunter.io/developer/1610455761)
- Category: Education
- Price: Free
- Rating: 5.00/5 from 3 App Store ratings · 21 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 11.0 · 59 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2013-12-10
- Data updated: 2026-09-01
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chemical-detectives/id741760895/reviews.md

## What is Chemical Detectives?

Determining the molecular structure of organic molecules experimentally can be a tricky challenge! Chemists do this by taking a number of different types measurements, and solving the puzzle a bit like solving a jigsaw puzzle. We use techniques such as:

• microanalysis
• mass spectrometry
• infrared spectroscopy
• nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy

This app allows you to be a 'chemical detective' and take all of the available clues for different molecules and solve their molecular structure! One by one, each spectrum reveals information about a molecule, such as the size, the functional groups, and the number of each kind of atom, which can then be pieced together.

Mastering Your Naming Skills
Another important skill in chemistry is naming organic molecules. This can be tricky too, but there is clear method follow. This app will teach you how to name molecules too, as once you have solved the structure of your molecule, you will need to enter the name of the structure into the app.

Challenge Your Friends to a Duel!
In Chemical Detectives you can set up a challenge between classmates and friends. Set the timer, and the number of problems, then GO! You can also choose from easy, medium or hard, which toggles between multiple choice and full text-entry, which is the best way to master your naming skills. Maybe even challenge your teachers!

## Key features

- Solve molecular structures
- Utilize spectroscopy data
- Learn organic molecule naming
- Challenge friends to duels
- Adjust difficulty levels
- Multiple choice and text entry modes

## Recent user reviews (10 of 21)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chemical-detectives/id741760895/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Great game

*2025-09-16*

Tuff

### 5/5 — Thomas Savundra Approved

*2024-09-13*

Thomas Savundra Approved

He has commited Academic Misconduct in the HSC

### 5/5 — Really good

*2024-09-13*

It’s really good, but don’t let this distract you from the fact Thomas Savundra has uploaded all of the Knox Google Drive to Studuco

### 5/5 — WOW

*2024-03-02*

This is going to REVOLUTIONIZE my development!! I only use it for a short while and feel it is absolutely wonderful.

### 5/5 — 5/5

*2023-06-15*

Very gender inclusive

### 5/5 — Updated and works again

*2022-06-12*

Happy to see this app redeveloped and working again, great for my year 12’s to practice their organic chemistry

**Developer response:** Hi, I'm the new developer of this app. I've just released a new version which should fix the compatibility issue with newer versions of iOS. I hope you like it!

### 5/5 — Easy to use

*2022-05-29*

Simple, easy to use app. Works great even on my old iPhone 6S.

### 5/5 — Not supported by IOS 15.4

*2022-04-12, version 1.1*

Please upload a version that works with IOS 15.4
I liked this app a lot but after I installed a fresh IOS it stopped working and said you need to renew the app for it to regain working

### 1/5 — Please update

*2021-09-04*

I have the non IPad Pro something, bigger screen than before, the point is that it won’t let me even try to ply it, it says it needs to be updated to work on this device. I’ll try figuring out exact model and put that in the review so you can hopefully find out why exact;y it won’t work. I would love to play it

### 4/5 — Needs updating!!

*2021-08-10*

Help!! I use this app all year long with my various classes. It needs updating as it won’t run in current iOS. Please update so we can continue to use this great chem resource.

## Frequently asked questions about Chemical Detectives

### What learning methodology does Chemical Detectives use?

Chemical Detectives employs a problem-solving approach, akin to a jigsaw puzzle, where users piece together molecular structures from various experimental data clues. It also incorporates direct instruction for learning organic molecule naming conventions.

### How does Chemical Detectives track user progress?

While specific progress tracking features are not detailed, the app allows users to challenge themselves and friends with timed duels and adjustable difficulty levels, implying a self-assessment of mastery.

### Does Chemical Detectives offer certifications?

The provided information does not indicate that Chemical Detectives offers any formal certifications. Its focus is on educational practice and skill development in organic chemistry.

### What are the difficulty levels in Chemical Detectives?

Chemical Detectives offers easy, medium, and hard difficulty levels. These levels toggle between multiple-choice questions and full text-entry for naming molecules, providing a progressive challenge.

### Can I play Chemical Detectives offline?

The description does not specify offline play capabilities. However, given its educational and puzzle-solving nature, it is likely designed for use with an internet connection for challenges and potential updates.

### What devices does Chemical Detectives support?

Chemical Detectives is available for iPhone, iPad, and iPod devices, indicating compatibility with Apple's iOS ecosystem.

### How often is Chemical Detectives updated?

The app was last updated on May 24, 2022, with its latest version being 1.2. This suggests a moderate update frequency, with the developer actively maintaining the application.

### Does Chemical Detectives have ads?

No, Chemical Detectives does not contain advertisements. It is a completely ad-free application, allowing for an uninterrupted learning experience.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.2 — 2022-05-24

New version for iOS 15 and later.

Also:
• Zoom locked to x-axis for more manageable zooming and scrolling

### 1.1 — 2014-03-27

This update fixes some crashes in 1.0.

Also:
• Updated styles for iOS 7
• Added acknowledgements to About
• Don't automatically resume when switching back to app if user had paused
• Tap pause view to resume

### 1.0.2 — 2013-12-21

• Fixed crash when submitting feedback
• Show credits for third-party components

### 1.0.1 — 2013-12-09

Updated for iOS 7

### 1.0 — 2013-11-22

No release notes.

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-09-01.*
