I found the textbook to be clear and informative, maintaining the quality of the previous editions. It has the typical arrangement of chapters with no obvious exclusion of relevant topics. The author makes excellent use of illustrations and figures that enliven the discussion of concepts. The problem strategies and examples are clear and greatly aid in understanding. The text offers an outline of terms and a summary at the conclusion of each chapter, which were excellent. The inclusion of important data references on the inside cover of the text is a helpful addition.

The instructor's edition provides excellent references to the associated CD-ROM, video, transparencies, and previously covered material. Additionally, there are suggestions for appropriate demonstrations complete with references from other sources, scattered throughout the chapters. However, I did find it frustrating that the answers are provided only for the odd-numbered problems, making the purchase of a supplemental solution manual necessary.

There is a nice inclusion of instrumental methods in the early chapters, but this was not carried through to include the later chapters. Specifically, Chapters 24 and 25 were inferior to the previous ones. A significant addition of detail in Chapters 24 (hydrocarbons and functional groups) and 25 (biochemistry) would make this text an excellent comprehensive resource for undergraduates.

CD-ROM: The addition of CD-ROM is an innovative approach to assist in visual learning, which has tremendous potential. However, this interactive CD-ROM fell short of what is possible with current technology.

Aside from viewing 3-dimensional structures, this CD-ROM offers few innovative concepts. This is more a database than an extension of the text. I felt the definitions could have been expanded to include at the very least structures and equations instead of only text.

The choice of text color was poor. Red text is difficult to view on low-resolution monitors, common to many institutions. The videos were difficult to see and in most cases were disappointing. These videos do not replace the excitement of real live demonstrations; however, they would be useful in the case of distance learning and interactive TV courses.

The CD-ROM offers a wide selection of problems that are well presented; however there are no problems after Chapter 20. This can be disconcerting to students who rely on problems for practice.

Overall, I felt this book is an excellent general chemistry text but falls short in the final chapters, Chapters 24 and 25. A more thorough coverage of these topics with pertinent examples needs to be included if this text is to be comprehensive.