The article attached illustrates how “chemical anagrams” can be used as a hook into chemistry lessons. Although it is primarily geared towards undergraduate students, the goal of the activity is simple enough to be incorporated into Grade 12
Chemistry Organic Chemistry lessons.
As an example, the term POLAR POISON can be rearranged to give ISOPROPANOL. The structure of isopropanol can be drawn on the board and the OH group highlighted. It can then be explained that the polarity of the molecule is due to the OH functional group.
OH
H
3
C CH
3
The structure of isopropanol with the OH group highlighted
The structures of other functional groups can also be introduced using these anagrams. Using this lesson idea, multiple concepts can be introduced simultaneously, such as: a) The structure and identification of a functional group b) Its chemical properties / reactivity c) An interesting fact about a molecule to help enhance student interest in chemistry
It is imperative that students are exposed to the “wow” or
“cool” factor of chemistry early in the course. This enthusiasm will definitely aid student learning in subsequent units. This is the principal reasoning behind an interesting “first lesson” into
Grade 12 Chemistry.

1.1. Functional Groups Lesson Plan
Introduction
Each of the following molecules in the handout contain a functional group that is discussed in Grade 12 Chemistry.
Activity
This activity not only encourages critical thinking, but instils interest in chemistry early on in the course.
Students are given a handout with the anagrams, and are asked to unscramble the words to give the common name of an everyday organic compound. They may work in partners, or in groups of 3-5. The activity itself is quite fun and reasonable straightforward so that it can be completed within 20-30 minutes.
Students may use computers in class or available chemistry texts, the
Merck Index, etc.
After the students have completed the handout, the answers to the anagrams can be discussed in class.
Lesson
There should be one transparency containing the structure of each molecule, with the pertinent functional group highlighted. As well, an interesting fact or two can be accompany each molecule.
Due to the fact that the structures of some molecules can be quite complex, a handout with all structures can be provided to each student.
The student can then highlight the functional group and provide its name as the anagrams are unscrambled.
Thinking Ahead…
For homework, students can think of other anagrams that can be shared with the class. Alternatively, anagrams of inorganic compounds can be provided for homework, and students can research interesting facts of the compounds and/or molecules.

Please “unscramble” these phrases to give the common name of many everyday compounds. You may work with a partner or in groups of 3-5.
The words below are to help you decode the anagrams:
WARFARIN
ASPIRIN
ISOPROPANOL
CAFFEINE
METHANOIC ACID
SUCRALOSE
ACETAMINOPHEN
Good luck!
1. IS PAIN BATTLER = _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
( also good at preventing blood clots )
2. RAT’S FAREWELL NIP = _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
( it’s bad news for rodents if they eat these )
3. IT’S IN A COFFEE, TEA = _, _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
( relish what gives you the java jolt
)
4. POLAR POISON = _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
( here’s the rub… it’s an alcohol!
)
5. ME CHEAT ON PAIN = _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
( a very popular analgesic )
6. ANT’S OH SO ACIDIC ITEM = _ _ _ _’ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
(
Latin formica is a clue, but think IUPAC!
)
7. A SUGAR SELECTION = _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
( try ingesting a sweet substitute )

Amazing Chemical Anagrams! – Decoded!
1. IS PAIN BATTLER = ASPIRIN TABLET
( also good at preventing blood clots )
2. RAT’S FAREWELL NIP = WARFARIN PELLET
( it’s bad news for rodents if they eat these )
3. IT’S IN A COFFEE, TEA = O, I TASTE CAFFEINE
( relish what gives you the java jolt )
4. POLAR POISON = ISOPROPANOL
( here’s the rub… it’s an alcohol!
)
5. ME CHEAT ON PAIN = ACETAMINOPHEN
( a very popular analgesic
)
6. ANT’S OH SO ACIDIC ITEM = SO IT’S METHANOIC ACID
( Latin formica is a clue, but think IUPAC!
)
7. A SUGAR SELECTION = EATING SUCRALOSE
( try ingesting a sweet substitute
)

Amazing Chemical Anagrams! – Decoded!
We will now discuss each of the molecules from previous handout. In addition, we will be identifying important “functional groups” within the molecules.
A functional group of a molecule plays an important role in its reactivity. By the end of this lesson, you should be familiar with the structure and names of functional groups.
It is important that you recognize these functional groups, as we will be discussing its reactivity later on in this unit.
Molecule Functional Group(s) Highlighted
1) Aspirin
O OH
O
2) Warfarin
O
CH
3
O
OH CH
3
O
3) Caffeine
CH
3
N
N O
O
H
3
C
N
O
N
CH
3

4) Isopropanol
OH
H
3
C CH
3
5) Acetaminophen
NH CH
3
O
H O
6) Methanoic Acid
O
H OH
7) Sucralose
Cl OH
H O
H O
O
O
OH
OH
O
Cl

Supplemental Notes
1) Aspirin – commonly used “analgesic” or painkiller, though can cause stomach lining irritation.
2) Warfarin – used as a pesticide against rodents. Also used as a blood thinning agent in pharmaceuticals
3) Caffeine – popular stimulant found in coffee and teas. Causes increased concentration and “alertness”
4) Isopropanol – used in cleaning agents and disinfectants.
5) Acetaminophen – another popular analgesic, does not cause stomach lining irritation like aspirin.
6) Methanoic acid – venom in ant stings, its
“derivatives” or molecules made using methanoic acid as a starting material, are used as fragrances. Can also be used as a cleaning agent.
7) Sucralose – Used as an artificial sweetener, about
500 times sweeter than table sugar. Reported to be a carcinogen in rats.