Retrosynthetic Analysis in Action: The Effectiveness of Filling in the Gaps

A series of distinctive gap-fill activities were designed to provide practice and test students’ knowledge in retrosynthetic analysis. Developed and tested during the COVID-19 pandemic, the activities allow students to work through authentic multistep syntheses of various organic target molecules. Students were asked to identify appropriate RSA terminology and suitable reagents and answer questions on reaction selectivity and mechanisms. Mark schemes were provided so students could quickly evaluate their answers. Feedback results showed students enjoyed these activities and found them beneficial to their learning.