Resumen de Thomas Midgley, Jr., and the Development of New Substances: A Case Study for Chemical Educators

Hélio Elael Bonini Viana, Paulo Alves Porto

• This paper presents a history of chemistry case study focusing on selected aspects of the work of American engineer Thomas Midgley, Jr. (1889–1944): the development of tetraethyl lead as an antiknock gasoline additive and of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) as fluids for refrigeration devices. One general aim of this case study is to display the complex nature of science, including the relation of science to technological and social issues, the nonlinear and noncumulative nature of its development, and the contribution of people with different backgrounds to the construction of scientific knowledge. Moreover, this work focuses on promoting reflections about two main themes: the periodic table as a tool for chemists’ work and the ethical issues related to chemical risks. This case study may help chemistry teachers to enlarge and enrich their views on chemistry as a science and as a profession and to discuss such issues with students.