Second�year organic chemistry laboratory procedures were re�designed to incorporate green chemistry techniques of synthesis and make them more discovery�based. Furthermore, new and more recent synthetic techniques from the literature were incorporated in the second�year organic chemistry curriculum. The use of a microwave reactor was explored as this offers a green alternative to organic synthesis void of the use of a large amount of organic solvents and thus generating less organic waste. These new experiments are inquiry�based to promote subject retention and critical thinking. To evaluate the impact of the re�designed laboratory procedures on students' conceptual understanding, pretest�posttest formative assessments and interviews were conducted. Our preliminary results will be presented.

Designing inquiry�based organic chemistry laboratory procedures to promote critical thinking

248th National Meeting (2014)

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