Michael Pirrung brilliantly addresses this problem with The Synthetic Organic Chemist’s Companion, a 200-page guide that takes a chemist through the typical synthetic chemistry process. Each step from locating reagents to cleaning up after structure elucidation, is described in a succinct yet informative manner. This reference book is divided into 17 chapters, each covering a segment of the reaction time line. Each individual chapter is then broken down further into sections, each containing just enough theory and description for an adequate understanding. For example, the chapter on solvents is broken down into four sections: selection, purity, degassing, and ammonia.

The logically sequential presentation allows quick reference, but the real strength of this guide is in the tables. From tables relating column diameter with sample size to a solvent selection chart, Pirrung has crammed as much useful data as possible into his guide. These data are usually found in the various references scattered about the seasoned synthetic chemist’s lab, but they are all perfectly organized in this “novice” chemist’s reference.

Although the procedures are written to allow the beginner to become familiar with synthetic techniques, experienced chemists will find the book valuable as a way to review the fundamentals and to improve their own laboratory techniques. The book sets a high standard for the research lab. For instance, the section concerning the research notebook provides an example that includes every detail about the reaction, details that are sometimes neglected.

This book also sets an excellent tone for a research group, allowing independence from day one by promoting an “I can find information concerning this” attitude compared to an “I should simply ask someone about this,” attitude. Although the new researcher cannot learn everything about common laboratory practices from this book, it provides a solid foundation so that techniques can be learned more easily and learned correctly. It also provides a quick reference so that the beginning researcher can look up the information rather than ask a busy research director for help.

Neither this book, nor any other resource, should replace the direct mentoring of an introductory chemist by a senior researcher. This is not its purpose. As Pirrung states, “My aspiration for this book is to find it (with several tabbed pages) on chemists’ lab benches.” I am certain that he will find well-worn copies in many labs, read and reread by both experienced and inexperienced chemists as they struggle with the challenges of synthesis.