Transitioning from General Chemistry into Organic Chemistry

A laboratory experiment was developed and implemented for second year undergraduate students as their first organic chemistry (OCHEM) laboratory experiment to facilitate a smoother transition from general chemistry (GCHEM) to OCHEM. The objective of the experiment was for students to execute a saponification reaction using coconut oil and understand the chemical principles behind that reaction. After performing the experiment, students formed into groups to discuss and answer inquiry-based questions provided by a supporting worksheet. Discussion groups were used to facilitate active participation and collaborative learning with the aim of building a connection between GCHEM and OCHEM concepts through the application of these principles in this laboratory experiment. Rather than employing the traditional, cook-book approach to laboratory experiments, this project allows students to critically review fundamental concepts through peer-led discussions, laying a strong foundation for the course materials, and strengthening understanding of fundamental chemistry concepts. Students have the opportunity to apply basic OCHEM concepts such as: structural representations, electronegativity, polarity, solubility, orbital overlap, sigma and pi bonding, functional groups as site of reactivity, electrophile and nucleophile, reaction mechanisms, resonance, and nucleophilic acyl substitution reaction as a means to explain the saponification reaction. The conversion of oils into soap is an ideal exercise to implement active learning through student engagement. By employing a simple saponification reaction and problem-solving discussions, students are better positioned to begin their studies in OCHEM.