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It is obvious from the fact that this is the fifth edition of this text that it has been well received in the past. The latest edition is a quality text that presents a traditional view of organic chemistry. This edition is similar to previous editions in that it covers the fundamental principles of organic chemistry in a clear and logical manner. Two new features make this a more interesting book. The first is the inclusion of historical aspects of the development of the science as a part of each chapter. The second is a problem at the end of each chapter, referred to as an Essay Problem, which gives a real world example of the material discussed in the chapter and then quizzes the reader on how learned principles apply to that specific example. These problems, however, may be of more interest to the instructor than to the student.
The organization of the text material is much the same as in previous editions. Introductory material is found in Chapters 1-4. The bulk of the material is presented in a section called Organic Reactions and Mechanisms (Chapters 5-18). This section is basically the functional group approach to presentation of information. Presentation of the material on infrared and NMR spectroscopy in Chapter 9 is especially well done. Topics of Specialized Interest (Chapters 19-22) contain information in some specialized areas (pericyclic reactions, natural products, etc.) which could be used at the discretion of the instructor. The book ends with the traditional chapters on Bio-organic chemistry (Chapters 23-26). As is true with most organic texts, more material is offered than can be covered in a one-year sequence of lectures.
Those who are familiar with some of the other widely used texts in organic chemistry will find that the art work, diagrams, and structures offered are not of the same quality that they are used to seeing. The use of color is ineffective due to the very light hues used. The use of energy diagrams is not presented in as rigorous a manner as is found in other texts. No distinction is made between potential energy and free energy diagrams. While this may not be detrimental to an understanding of organic chemistry, physical organic chemists will find it less than satisfactory. Multistep reaction mechanisms are written out as consecutive reactions and not as separate balanced equations. Because the concept of a mechanism is difficult for the student at best, this presentation adds more confusion than is necessary. Instructors who like to use the bond-line format for structures will not find it used in this text except for cyclic systems. Although a study guide with a complete set of answers to assigned problems is available, the inclusion in the text of more answers to problems would benefit the student.
In conclusion, this is a good text for use in the year sequence of organic chemistry. It is written on a level satisfactory for students majoring in chemistry, biology, or related science. The text is also a good choice for use in pre-medical or other health related pre-professional courses in organic chemistry.
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