Structural Characterization of Kekulé’s Benzene: an Example of Creativity and Heuristics in the Construction of Chemical Knowledge

Abstract:

This article presents a historical review of the knowledge, facts, controversies and characters that influenced chemist August Kekulé in order to establish the first accepted chemical characterization of benzene, the structural unit of aromatic compounds. Due to the nature of the knowledge involved, the strong creative and heuristic connotation, this particular episode constitutes a reference to promote meta-scientific knowledge related to the construction, validation and evolution of chemical knowledge in the classroom. These are necessary elements to undertake a contextualized teaching of the topic in chemistry classes, which affords meaning and reflection in the learning. This paper also aims to serve as a guide for historical and epistemological analysis of other contents that are relevant in chemical education.

Keywords:
Chemical education; Epistemology; Benzene; History of science; Aromatic compounds