As a general chemistry text, the first edition of The Chemical World: Concepts and Applications was notable for its atypical approach to the introduction of chemical phenomena. With its emphasis on conceptual understanding through real-world applications, The Chemical World succeeded in making chemistry more interesting and, consequently, more understandable. In the second edition, the authors have made significant improvements while maintaining the philosophical integrity of the unique approach that so distinguished the first text. Among the major enhancements is a more thorough integration of organic chemistry, biochemistry, and environmental chemistry. Also noteworthy is the inclusion, throughout the text, of conceptual problems that allow students to explore topics in ways that strengthen their understanding of chemistry. Text graphics have undergone major revisions as well, with the addition of atomic and molecular illustrations to many of the figuresa change that should certainly facilitate student comprehension.

The organization of the first few chapters of The Chemical World may appear, at first glance, to be similar to that of a typical general chemistry text. However, on closer inspection, one notices some major differences such as an introduction to alkanes and a discussion of carbohydrates and fats in Chapter 3. The discussion of thermodynamics in Chapter 6 may also appear to be somewhat typical, but the early introduction of the second law in Chapter 7 marks a radical departure from the organization of most texts. Early exposure to the concepts of entropy and free energy allows students to see how the second law guides chemical phenomena. In fact, Chapter 7 concludes with an excellent discussion of free energy in biological systems. Unfortunately, the authors have not developed the second law in later sections of the text as thoroughly as they could. Many topics, such as solution chemistry, could be enhanced by a discussion of free energy changes.

The emphasis on organic chemistry and biochemistry continues with the introduction to molecular structure in Chapters 9 and 10 and with the discussion of organic applications in Chapter 11. Chapter 9 examines covalent bonding in alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, and aromatic compounds and concludes with a discussion of coordination compounds in biological systems. Chapter 10 includes discussions of chiral molecules and DNA structure. Chapter 11 is an exceptional chapter that focuses on issues of practical importance such as the use of fossil fuels, the greenhouse effect, and polymers. Along the way, it introduces basic organic functional groups and discusses proteins and polysaccharides. Discussions of chemical kinetics and equilibria, which were combined into one chapter in the first edition, are found in Chapters 12 and 13 of the new edition. The reorganization facilitates discussions of reaction mechanisms and incorporates a more rigorous treatment of chemical kinetics; integrated rate laws and the Arrhenius equation, which were absent from the first edition, are included in this edition. The authors illustrate the applications of chemical kinetics with detailed discussions of enzymes, industrial catalysis, and ozone depletion.

The introduction of gas laws in Chapter 14 includes an excellent discussion of atmospheric chemistry and air pollution. Condensed phase materials are discussed in Chapter 15, which also examines properties of semiconductors, glasses, ceramics, cements, and superconductors. Notable for its absence is a discussion of liquid crystalline behavior; given the authors' efforts to incorporate important applications, I find it surprising that this topic has been overlooked.

The book concludes, in Chapters 16­19, withfor the most partconventional discussions of solution chemistry, acid­base chemistry, electrochemistry, and nuclear chemistry. Relevant topics discussed in these chapters include water pollution, practical acid­base chemistry, and applications of radioactivity such as food irradiation and medical imaging.

An important innovation in the new edition is Chapter 20, which is available only through the World Wide Web. It consists of three modules, "Metals in Modern Society", "The Atmospheric Environment", and "Biochemical Structure and Function" that will be kept up to date with current developments and will include links to other relevant sites.

As was the case in the first edition, each chapter includes at least one "Chemistry You Can Do" segment. These sections describe short, relatively simple discovery-based experiments that students can conduct at home; many students will find these experiments to be a useful learning tool. Other features include "Chemistry in the News" segments that discuss topics of current interest.

In conclusion, the second edition of The Chemical World is an excellent general chemistry text that contains significant improvements over the first edition. The emphasis on biochemical and environmental applications along with the addition of molecular graphics and conceptual problems have resulted in a text that is more readable and more relevant to student interests. Students will find the real-world applications to be fascinating, while instructors will be pleased with the rigor and thoroughness of the presentation.