Logic-Guided Theory in Synthetic Chemistry:The Way of Thinking Backward and Computer Program of E. J. Corey
ZHU Jing1, JIANG Xue-Feng2**
1. Department of Philosophy, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China; 2. School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China
Abstract The relationship between scientific theory, experiment and computational technology is the main issue in the research fields of philosophy of science and science education. The previous studies focused more on physics and biology to investigate the relationship, while the scientific practice in chemistry was overlooked. Taking Elias James Corey’s research and teaching practice as an example, this article analysis his scientific thinking and the reason why his computer program was not accepted as widely as his method of retrosynthetic analysis. It reveals that Corey made the methods and rules for synthesis understandable and reasonable to scientific community from his teaching and experimental practice. Based on his experimental work and thinking backward, Corey conceptualized and abstracted the rules for retrosynthetic analysis. However, computer-aid or artificial intelligent design can help to solve synthetic problems only when hardware and software interact deeply with theoretical organic chemistry and chemists’ experience.
ZHU Jing, JIANG Xue-Feng. Logic-Guided Theory in Synthetic Chemistry:The Way of Thinking Backward and Computer Program of E. J. Corey[J]. Chinese Journal of Chemical Education, 2023, 44(14): 1-6.
