Overview

Instead of approximating non-math content using plain LaTeX math commands, use specialized packages that are designed for that content type. These packages produce correct semantics, better typography, and more accessible output.

Guidance

mhchem for chemical expressions

It’s common to approximate chemical formulas using \text{}, subscripts, superscripts, and arrow commands. However, this approach does not express chemical semantics, causing screen readers to misinterpret elements as algebraic variables—implying multiplication between letters, for example.

mhchem is a syntax designed to simplify the typesetting of chemical formulas and equations. It allows you to write semantic, human-readable code that the software automatically renders with correct fonts, spacing, bond lengths, and semantics.

Load it in Canvas with: \(\require{mhchem}\) (once per page)

Bad Example

Don’t approximate chemistry with plain LaTeX math commands:

\(\text{Al}_3(\text{SO}_4)_2\)

Spoken as something like: “cap Al, sub 3, times open paren, cap S, cap O, sub 4, close paren, sub 2”—interpreted as algebra.

Good Example

Use \ce{{}} from mhchem:

\(\ce{Al3(SO4)2}\)

Spoken as: “cap A, l, sub three; open paren, cap S, cap O, sub four; close paren, sub two”—recognized as chemical notation.

Compare the simplicity of \ce{H2O} to the awkwardness of \text{H}_2\text{O}. The mhchem version is easier to author, produces better typography, and is recognized as chemistry (not algebra) by assistive technologies like MathCAT.

See Creating Chemical Formulas and Equations in the Canvas LMS (Using mhchem for Accessibility) for more information.

AMScd for commutative diagrams

The AMScd extension for MathJax provides a CD environment for simple rectangular commutative diagrams. LaTeX authored with this package produces MathML that can be navigated using MathJax’s equation explorer or screen reader features.

Load it in Canvas with: \(\require{AMScd}\) (once per page)

\(\require{AMScd}\)

\[
\begin{CD}
  A @>>> B @>{\text{very long label}}>> C \\
  @. @AAA @| \\
  D @= E @<<< F
\end{CD}
\]

Only simple rectangular diagrams are supported (no diagonal arrows). See the AMScd guide for more information.

Back to Ten Tips for Accessible LaTeX Math Expressions

LaTeX Reference Guides (Canvas / MathJax 2.7)

MathJax 2.7 TeX/LaTeX Support
One Mathematical Cat: TeX Syntax Reference
MathJax Basic Tutorial and Quick Reference