An Improved Decision Tree for Predicting a Major Product in Competing Reactions

Authors

Kate J. Graham, College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

8-2014

Disciplines

Chemistry | Organic Chemistry | Physical Sciences and Mathematics

Abstract

When organic chemistry students encounter competing reactions, they are often overwhelmed by the task of evaluating multiple factors that affect the outcome of a reaction. The use of a decision tree is a useful tool to teach students to evaluate a complex situation and propose a likely outcome. Specifically, a decision tree can help students predict a major product in substitution and elimination reactions.

Comments

DOI: 10.1021/ed400908g

Recommended Citation

Graham, K. J. An Improved Decision Tree for Predicting a Major Product in Competing Reactions. J. Chem. Educ., 2014, 91(8), 1267–1268.