Ask them to pronounce the word ‘unionised’. According to Isaac Asimov:
Non-chemists will pronounce it “union-ised”, and chemists will pronounce it “un-ionised”.
I think the same could be said for carbocation. Non-chemists would pronounce it carbo-cation, and chemists would pronounce it carbocat-ion.
About allthingswhichareirrelevant
I am a 20 year old University Student at the University of Nottingham. Currently, I am reading a four year course in Medicinal and Biological Chemistry (MSci), and my ambition is to be a chemistry teacher.
I have several hobbies, which include:
Rowing - I was a member of the Maidstone Invicta Rowing Club from the age of 11 until 18;
Acting - I was a member of 'Hedgehog Productions' for 2 years (Age 17-18) and played the lead in a pantomime based on 'Treasure Island' called 'Treasury Island';
Radio - I have a radio show with my friend Jack on URN1350.net (voted best UK student radio station three years in a row). I am also part of the marketing team, making promotional images for our website and Facebook events.
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