Reconstructing the History of Organometallic Chemistry for Chemistry Education: A Laudanian Epistemological Perspective

When interpreting the evolution of science, it is essential not only to know its history in terms of the foundational facts or the advances in the global theories that define it but also to understand how the subordinate theories, methodologies, and particular values within a field of knowledge configure themselves over the years. Insofar as this is achieved, it is possible to think of history and philosophy as optimal didactic tools for teaching science. Much more so in subjects such as Organometallic Chemistry, where solid foundations can ensure improvements in the teaching-learning process in college education. In this sense, the present article aims to perform a Micro-Theoretical analysis of the history of this discipline in terms of the research lines that have shaped it (i.e., Metal-CO, Metal-Olefin, Metal-Alkyl, Metal-Carbene, Sandwich Type). For this purpose, relevant aspects from each line are analyzed using an adaptation of Laudan’s Research Traditions (RT) model. This analysis is complemented by a brief discussion of the epistemological relevance of historical reconstruction regarding contemporary challenges in chemical progress. Finally, some comments are presented as conclusions and perspectives.