©1983 IUPAC THE ROLE OF THEORY IN TEACHING ORGANIC CHEMISTRY

Abstract — Recent advances in theoretical chemistry had a profound effect on organic chemistry. The empirical hit and miss practice is being replaced by planned aporoaches where theory and computational methods play an ever increasing ro— le. This development is also felt in chemical education where textbooks on all levels are becoming more abstract and less concerned with experimental and descriptive chemistry. How— ever theory is often introduced at a too early stage and ten— dencies toward simplifications sometimes lead to erroneous interpretations of theoretical principles. Samples of this can be found on all levels, from high-school chemistry to graduate courses which contributes to the lessening of the attractiveness of chemistry among students. To regain its appeal a proper balance between theoretical and practical organic chemistry has to be found. It is important to tak