CBC Colloquium Series: "Extracting Students’ Arguments about Energetics and Reactions Involving Enolates"

Presenter:  

Dr. Charlie Cox, Associate Professor of Practice

Department of Chemistry

Duke University

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Enolate chemistry is generally introduced at the end of the second semester of organic chemistry in conjunction with the Aldol and Claisen condensation reactions. Students’ mechanistic reasoning for reactions involving enolates has been researched to a limited extent, particularly when coupled with kinetic and thermodynamic arguments. Enolate chemistry and energetic discussions are paramount for preparing students for complex biochemistry mechanisms. This research project analyzed four cohorts of students using survey, interview, and exam data to gauge students’ understanding of the energetics associated with reactions that form enolate intermediates. Specifically, the data outlines students’ conceptions of kinetic and thermodynamic favorability of intermediates and probes the impact of instruction centered around developing energetic arguments for mechanistic reasoning.  

Hosted by: Dr. Laura Van Dorn