COVERAGE OF INTERMOLECULAR FORCES IN ORGANIC CHEMISTRY TEXTBOOKS

Abstract

The paper analyzes fifteen organic chemistry textbooks commonly used in Brazilian universities to examine intermolecular forces’ coverage in them. The findings revealed that the intermolecular forces are spread over a few pages (less than 1%) in a fragmented way, and over several chapters that do not provide enough information to help create a clear image in the student’s mind. Thirteen textbooks contained end-of-chapter problems related to intermolecular forces. However, less than 1.3% of the total (212) are associated with intermolecular forces. This deficient approach to intermolecular forces in Organic textbooks can lead to teachers’ lack of interest in teaching the subject, leading to students failing to learn this important organic chemistry topic.

Keywords

• intermolecular forces
• organic chemistry
• textbooks