Introduction to Organic Chemistry (4th Edition)

Rating:
Summary: Great for the chemistry and molecular biology major.
Review: Although the graphics are somewhat dated, [published in 1992] the writing reveals the authors as practical and excellent chemists. This is a great book. A section on synthesis clears up many questions posed by beginning students. Too bad answers to the problems are not provided with the book.

Rating:
Summary: Very clear and comprehensive
Review: I used the 2nd Edition, 1981 for my undergraduate chemistry course. It had copious and well presented data on organic chemistry, as well as introductory material on spectroscopy and biochemistry. Presumably the newer editions are even better.

I ended up specialising in physical chemistry/spectroscopy rather than organic chemistry, but this is no reflection on this fine textbook.

Rating:
Summary: One of the Best but Intensive Texts
Review: It might not have lush photos and graphics, yet this revised printing version of "Introduction to Organic Chemistry" remains one of the most authoritative text for introductory level.

Readers are assumed solid mastery of one year of general chemistry since the coverage on electronic structure and bonding is succinct. Readers should be able to draw Lewis dot structures and identify the major resonance structures from all resonance structures, etc.

Two separate chapters discuss respectively organic structures and chapter reactions, who incorporate the simple chemistry of alkanes (hydrocarbons). Stereoisomerism is introduced early in the text so students can grasp this important concept and the consequence on reactions, reactivity and distribution of products.

Discussion on nucleophilic substitution reaction is somewhat obscure that might requires a few readings in order to grasp the idea. Discussion on various functional groups (alkenes, alkynes, nitriles, ketones, enol, carboxylic acids, carboxylic derivatives) are very detailed and problems focus on multistep organic synthesis.

Information on spectroscopy (NMR spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, etc) might not be comparable to a text that devotes to these spectroscopy topics, but students will learn the gist and essence of using these techniques in determining organic structures.

What makes this text distinguish itself from others are the chapters on hetero atoms like phosphorus, sulfur, and silicon. Another chapter is devoted to difunctional compounds which are siginificant intermediates and starting points for synthesis. Discussion on biological macromolecules like carbohydrates, amino acids, proteins are also included. Readers will also find the door to advanced topics such as aromatic halides, phenols, phenyl ethers, polycyclic aromatic compounds, and heterocyclic compounds.

Overall the information presented here is very detailed and geared toward advanced study and research. This is highly recommended for serious chemisty students. Excellent problems. Highly recommended.

Rating:
Summary: One of the Best but Intensive Texts
Review: It might not have lush photos and graphics, yet this revised printing version of "Introduction to Organic Chemistry" remains one of the most authoritative text for introductory level.

Readers are assumed solid mastery of one year of general chemistry since the coverage on electronic structure and bonding is succinct. Readers should be able to draw Lewis dot structures and identify the major resonance structures from all resonance structures, etc.

Two separate chapters discuss respectively organic structures and chapter reactions, who incorporate the simple chemistry of alkanes (hydrocarbons). Stereoisomerism is introduced early in the text so students can grasp this important concept and the consequence on reactions, reactivity and distribution of products.

Discussion on nucleophilic substitution reaction is somewhat obscure that might requires a few readings in order to grasp the idea. Discussion on various functional groups (alkenes, alkynes, nitriles, ketones, enol, carboxylic acids, carboxylic derivatives) are very detailed and problems focus on multistep organic synthesis.

Information on spectroscopy (NMR spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, etc) might not be comparable to a text that devotes to these spectroscopy topics, but students will learn the gist and essence of using these techniques in determining organic structures.

What makes this text distinguish itself from others are the chapters on hetero atoms like phosphorus, sulfur, and silicon. Another chapter is devoted to difunctional compounds which are siginificant intermediates and starting points for synthesis. Discussion on biological macromolecules like carbohydrates, amino acids, proteins are also included. Readers will also find the door to advanced topics such as aromatic halides, phenols, phenyl ethers, polycyclic aromatic compounds, and heterocyclic compounds.

Overall the information presented here is very detailed and geared toward advanced study and research. This is highly recommended for serious chemisty students. Excellent problems. Highly recommended.

Rating:
Summary: Lots of Molecular Orbitals
Review: This includes a lot of the physics behind organic chemistry. Streitweiser did a lot of pioneering work in the 50s calculating molecular orbitals so that aspect is very nicely covered. He discovered a lot of what is presented so it gives the book a sense of authority.

The writing has an appealing friendliness to it, like an older relative is taking you under their wing as an apprentice. Their are a few reminisences, such as the time they distilled an explosive peroxide and the resultant explosion moved furniture in nearby rooms it shook the building so much.

Rating:
Summary: Lots of Molecular Orbitals
Review: This includes a lot of the physics behind organic chemistry. Streitweiser did a lot of pioneering work in the 50s calculating molecular orbitals so that aspect is very nicely covered. He discovered a lot of what is presented so it gives the book a sense of authority.

The writing has an appealing friendliness to it, like an older relative is taking you under their wing as an apprentice. Their are a few reminisences, such as the time they distilled an explosive peroxide and the resultant explosion moved furniture in nearby rooms it shook the building so much.

Rating:
Summary: Perfect Text and Reference for Chemists and Chem Students
Review: This is a very hard-core and detailed treatment of the subject of organic chemistry. Ideal for chemistry majors, this book has served as a refresher for me as a professional chemist. The book assumed mastery over general chemistry and the prerequisites of chemical structure and bonding. Practice problems are only to help develop further insight and application of the chemistry presented.

Rating:
Summary: Perfect Text and Reference for Chemists and Chem Students
Review: This is a very hard-core and detailed treatment of the subject of organic chemistry. Ideal for chemistry majors, this book has served as a refresher for me as a professional chemist. The book assumed mastery over general chemistry and the prerequisites of chemical structure and bonding. Practice problems are only to help develop further insight and application of the chemistry presented.