Octachem Model: Organic Chemistry Nomenclature Companion

Abstract

The Octachem model is an educational physical model designed to guide students in the identification, classification, and naming of the chemical structures of organic compounds. The Octachem model has been used for individual or cooperative groups in class or for after-class work. The model offers an amusing tool to facilitate the learning and teaching processes for high school and first-year undergraduate organic chemistry students. In this article the basic concepts of Octachem model are presented, and the physical model and contents are described. Several ways of playing with Octachem are presented, as well as the opinions of some of the participating students.