It has been developed by Brian White at the University of Massachusetts, Boston.

This game requires that your cell phone have Java capability. It has been found to work on the following phones/providers:

• Nokia N95
• Sprint PCS

How do I get the game on my cell phone?

You either click on this link or enter this url into your cell phone's web-browser:
http://intro.bio.umb.edu/wml/

You then click to download the game. This process differs on different phones.

How does it work?

The game consists of one or more Problem Sets. A problem set is a set of several related interconvertable molecules. The game randomly chooses pairs of these molecules - a starting material and a product - and your task is to determine the reaction or reactions required to turn the starting material into the product. When you think you have the correct set of reactions, you can ask the program to tell you if you've got it right. Once you have successfully solved all the possible conversions, you are done. The program keeps track of how long it took you to complete the problem set so that you can practice for better and better times to prepare you for timed exams.

Since this game runs entirely on your cell phone, you do not need cell phone service to run it once you have downloaded it.

How do I use it?

First, find the game file on your cell phone and run it. This process differs on different phones.

1) You should see a welcome screen like this. The details will vary depending on the particular phone you have. You can read the instructions; they are the same as on this page. Click "OK" to continue.
2) You should see the Starting Material for the first reaction. The light green background and "Starting Material" label show you that you are looking at the structure of the Starting Material. The "<SM (Rx) Pr>" shows you how to switch between screens using the main arrow and select keys on your phone. Use the left and right arrow keys to toggle between the Starting Material and Product screens. Use the central button to go to the Reaction Entry screen Click the right arrow key to see the desired Product.
3) You should see the Product for the first reaction. The light pink background and "Product" label show you that you are looking at the structure of the Product. The "<SM (Rx) Pr>" shows you how to switch between screens using the main arrow and select keys on your phone. Use the left and right arrow keys to toggle between the Starting Material and Product screens. Use the central button to go to the Reaction Entry screen Once you have figured out how to transform the Starting Material into the Product, click the central button key to begin entering your reactions.
4) You should see the Reaction Selection screen. Use the selection keys to bring up the menu shown. This allows you to edit your answer - the list of reactions that will transform the Starting Material into the Product. Using this, assemble your list of reactions.
5) Here is a sample reaction list. When you think you have it right, select "Check Answer".
6) If you've got it right, you'll see this. You can then go on to complete all the problems in the set. The timer keeps track of how long it took you to solve all of the individual reactions in the set.

Are there more problem sets available?

Right now, there is only one problem set. I am looking for collaborators to develop more. You do not need to know Java to develop problem sets; only organic chemistry.

If you are interested, contact Brian White.