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Using Building-Block Puzzles To Practice Drawing Organic Mechanisms

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Ender Erdik

Department of Chemistry, Ankara University, 06100 Besevler, Ankara 06100, Turkey

J. Chem. Educ., 2005, 82 (9), p 1325

DOI: 10.1021/ed082p1325

Publication Date (Web): September 1, 2005

Section:

History, Education, and Documentation

Abstract

This pencil-and-paper activity is designed to test the ability of students in writing intermediates and products in the reactions of ketones. An undergraduate student who is successful in organic chemistry at the sophomore level is expected to fill in empty boxes with the appropriate "building blocks", which are atoms and atom groups (neutral or ionic). Solving the puzzle will give the formulas of reactants, reactive intermediates, and products. Students test their understanding of reaction mechanisms while having fun. This in-class or at-home activity can also be used as a test.

Keywords (Audience):

Second-Year Undergraduate

Keywords (Domain):

Organic Chemistry

Keywords (Pedagogy):

Testing / Assessment

Keywords (Subject):

Reactive Intermediates

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