ruipedro

Finding an idea for a research paper can be a daunting task, and even more so when that paper is for organic chemistry. The possibilities of choice might seem endless, and it can be difficult to gauge which of your ideas will serve you best.

The trick, as simple as it sounds, is to choose a topic that you’re genuinely interested in. Not only will this keep you motivated while you’re writing, but it will throw some passion into a chemistry paper that might otherwise be overridden with bland formulae and equations. Passion is luckily something that can be felt on the page, so having a healthy dose of curiosity for your homework will make your research paper infinitely more engaging.

The best topic is usually one that you already know a little bit about. Ask yourself: What would I like to know more about? Perhaps you’re into environmental affairs, or perhaps hearing about carbon-carbon bonds got your attention in class. Maybe it’s the human brain that fascinates you, in which case you might want to consider studying neurotransmitters. Use your imagination by looking at the world around you and imagining the hidden chemistry in the objects around us.

Potential topics for your organic chemistry paper

1. The accumulation of lactic acid (muscle fatigue) in the human body
2. The chemical structures and functions of neurotransmitters
3. The effect of carbonated drinks on bones
4. The electrochemical processes of batteries
5. The possibilities of using nanomaterials for photocatalysis and photoelectric chemistry
6. Cyanobacteria conversion of fatty acids to fuel
7. The impact of fluoride in drinking water
8. Molecular catalysts of CO2 conversion
9. The chemistry of aging
10. The chemistry of human pheromones
11. Photocatalysis in organic compounds
12. The effect of various chemical ingredients on the Ozone layer
13. Low energy recycling of plastic materials
14. The chemistry of makeup
15. An evaluation of the structure and function of intrinsically designed proteins

Turn your topic into a question

Once you’ve found a topic you’re interested in, from the list or elsewhere, whittle it down to a manageable size by turning the topic into a question that piques your curiosity.

For example:

Idea = The chemistry of aging

Question = What chemical processes happen in the body to make skin exhibit wrinkles and hair to turn grey? Or alternatively—what chemical ingredients appear to slow down the visual signs of ageing and how?