Arrow pushing: A rational, participatory approach to teaching descriptive inorganic chemistry

摘要

Inorganic chemistry at core consists of a vast array of molecules and chemical reactions. To master the subject, students must learn to think intelligently about this vast body of facts, a feat seldom accomplished in an introductory course. All too often, young undergraduate students perceive the field as an amorphous and illogical body of information that has to be memorized. Organic chemistry, by contrast, because of its emphasis on the reaction mechanisms, is perceived as a far more rational field. We have found that a mechanistic approach also works well for introductory inorganic chemistry. Recognizing common inorganic species as electrophiles and nucleophiles, coupled with organic-style arrow pushing, provides a gentle and stimulating introduction to the field. The inherently participatory nature of the arrow-pushing approach greatly enhances the students' sense of personal engagement in the course.