The Distribution of Macromolecular Principles throughout Introductory Organic Chemistry

Abstract

Many of the principles of organic polymer chemistry are direct extensions of the information contained in the standard introductory organic chemistry course. Often, however, the discussion of macromolecules is relegated to a chapter at the end of the organic chemistry text and is covered briefly, if at all. Connecting the organic-chemical principles of macromolecules to those of small molecules at the time these principles are first presented demonstrates some of the practical implications of organic chemistry, including medical applications. Making these connections can serve as a motivator to many students who are interested in medical applications of organic chemistry. Several examples of how macromolecular principles can be distributed throughout an introductory organic chemistry course to connect basic concepts to everyday life are discussed.