Reaction coordinate diagrams (RCDs) simultaneously depict both thermodynamic and kinetic information. In this research study, semi-structured interviews were conducted with second-semester general chemistry and second-semester organic chemistry students to investigate their understandings regarding the surface features of RCDs and how students decode mechanistic information from RCDs. Findings from the qualitative analyses of these interviews highlighted the challenges that both general chemistry and organic chemistry students face when interpreting RCDs and connecting surface features to reaction mechanisms. These results were used to create an assessment tool, the Reaction Coordinate Diagram Inventory (RCDI), to quantitatively measure general chemistry and organic chemistry students’ thinking and confidence with RCDs. Preliminary findings and evidence for the validity and reliability of the data generated by the inventory will be presented.

Reaction coordinate diagram inventory: Measuring general chemistry and organic chemistry students’ thinking and confidence

2019 Fall National Meeting

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