DESCRIBING REACTIVITY WITH STRUCTURAL FORMULAS, OR WHEN PUSH COMES TO SHOVE

Abstract

This short note reflects upon the widespread practice, in the classroom, of the paper tool of reaction mechanisms, taught with Lewis structural formulas, using curved arrows to denote motions of electrons. It is concluded that this practice, while assuredly improving upon the rational understanding of chemical reactions and their underlying logic, can easily become a modern counterpart to medieval scholastics. It has many of the features of slang with respect to more thoughtful and dignified speech. And it may breed cynicism and skepticism on the part of the students when they see this paper tool turned into a universal explanatory device. [Chem. Educ. Res. Pract. Eur., 2002, 3, 113-118]