Introduction to Organic Chemistry [antikvár]

PREFACE This book takes the place of Organic Chemistry, Abridged Edition (1944) and Textbook of Organic Chemistry (1950). It is given a different name because it departs considerably from the predecessors in scope and organization. The twenty-eight chapters of Part I develop the essential principles of organic chemistry in a way calculated to best fit the needs of the modern student. Early history that is no longer particularly informative or inspiring is by-passed for a direct approach to the science of today. Tables of physical constants and other elaborations that are appropriate enough in a reference book are omitted. On the other hand, basic theory is not only retained but expanded, and each new concept is developed at the place where it is first applicable. Thus in the chapter on alkenes, development of the idea of geometrical isomerism from the orbital theory approach permits consideration of the steric course of additions to alkenes and alkynes along with the other facts and interpretations and obviates backtracking at a later date. A section on dienes at the end of the same chapter provides occasion for introduction of resonance and for expansion of orbital theory and is followed by an interpretation of the aromaticity of benzene. Examples of aromatic substitution and of the reduction of nitrobenzene are also included in the early part of the book, partly to give greater flexibility to the laboratory schedule. The main discussion of aromatic structure and substitution (Chapter 18) is thereby simplified, and it is further shortened by omission of most of the historically interesting but no longer pertinent preresonance controversies. Part I includes about all the facts and theories a student can be expected to assimilate in a one-year course. Study aids include chapter summaries, problems at the end of most chapters with answers at the back of the book, review problems at the end of Chapter 11, and marginal captions to supplement side and center headings. Cross references are given in the decimal system: 10.5 = Chapter 10, section 5. Part II is a new feature. Entitled "Applications to Research," it demonstrates how reactions and principles learned in the student's systematic study are applied in research. The student here gets some idea of the way in which problems originate, of the techniques by which they are solved, and of the extensive experimentation that is usually involved. Brief biographies indicate where and by whom the work was done. Procedure for utilization of Part II will vary with the individual teacher. Some may wish to incorporate part of the material into lectures; some may care to recommend it for reading.