News release

From: The University of Newcastle

A new study has revealed that a core idea taught in chemistry classrooms around the world may be wrong.

Dr Edwin Johnson, Lecturer at the University of Newcastle, co-authored the paper with academics from University of Cardiff and University of New England.

“Our Australian–UK study has revisited how chemistry textbooks explain the behaviour of electrons inside molecules, a concept used to understand why chemicals react the way they do,” Dr Edwin said.

“Using modern computer modelling, we found that the traditional explanation (the inductive effect), developed nearly a century ago, does not match current evidence in important cases.

“We propose a simpler, more consistent way of explaining these ideas that could improve chemistry teaching and provide scientists with a clearer foundation for understanding molecular behaviour,” Dr Edwin said.

Organic chemistry underpins medicines, advanced materials, manufacturing, agriculture and many technologies people rely on every day.

Dr Edwin said the way chemists understand and teach molecular behaviour influences how future scientists learn to explain, predict and design chemical systems.

“If a foundational concept is taught inaccurately, misunderstandings can carry into more advanced science and research.

“By revisiting a long-standing textbook explanation with modern tools, our work aims to improve chemistry education and strengthen the conceptual foundations that support chemical innovation,” he said.

The paper was published in the Journal of Chemical Education and authored by Dr Mark Elliot from the University of Cardiff in collaboration with Dr Edwin from University of Newcastle and Dr Kasimir Gregory from the University of New England.