CHEMISTRY EDUCATION: RESEARCH AND PRACTICE IN EUROPE 2002, Vol. 3, No. 2, pp. 113-118	Theme Issue 2 on Structural Concepts CONTRIBUTION FROM SCIENCE (INVITED POSITION PAPER)

Pierre LASZLO
Ecole polytechnique, Palaiseau, and University of Liege

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]

KEY WORDS: heuristic tool; reaction mechanisms; curved arrow; pushing electrons; slang speech

CORRESPONDENCE: Pierre LASZLO, (October-May) POB 665, Pinehurst NC 28370, USA; e-mail: pierre@pierrelaszlo.net; (May-October) "Cloud's Rest", Prades, F-12320 Senergues, France; e-mail: clouds-rest@wanadoo.fr

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