Alcohol or Ethanol? Teaching Organic Chemistry Nomenclature in an Informal Environment

Abstract

The basics of organic chemistry nomenclature were introduced in a laboratory organized in a nonformal environment such as a science festival. The laboratory, divided into three distinct but interconnected activities, was aimed not only at secondary school students but also at lay people. The intent was to explain the importance of associating a name to a molecular structure and conversely and that this is relevant not only for scientists but also in everyday life in order to better understand the properties of commonly used molecules. The overall goal was to stimulate interest in chemical topics with the aid of fun and engaging activities.