by Dr. Salim M. Diab
Professor of Chemistry
University of St. Francis
Joliet, Illinois 60435
For many years, Organic Chemistry was taught as a body of chemical reactions with little or no conceptual connectivity. Professors and students alike struggle to make some sense out of literally tens of thousands of organic compounds within traditional classroom lectures.
This presentation will focus on the conceptual framework called “the seven pillars of organic chemistry”. I have used this approach for many years which led to a greater student comprehension and enjoyment of the subject matter. The approach is not intended to cover all the concepts needed for a second-year organic chemistry but rather to promote a teaching methodology that appeals to students and appears to be in harmony with many ideas concerning the teaching of organic chemistry. Hence, these seven pillars should serve as a vehicle for answering the most nagging questions in the synthesis and mechanisms of many organic reactions.