Overview

Nylon, plexiglas, epoxy resin, and Elmer's glue; dynamite, rubber tires, and spandex. These are a few among the multitude of industrial products produced using the principles of organic chemistry, principles that are often taught to students without reference to the commercial and practical importance of the subject. The marvelous theoretical principles on which organic chemistry is based are therefore often not fully appreciated by students of this subject. Organic chemistry can appear dry, meaningless, and seemingly irrelevant. In this textbook, designed to be used in conjunction with classic texts of organic chemistry at the undergraduate level, or standing alone for more advanced students, two experts, M. M. Green and H. A. Wittcoff bring the principles and the practice together. Written for students, and also giving much information that could be used to enhance teaching of the subject, the book, presented in ten concise chapters, combines important industrial processes with the principles of organic chemistry. The result is a source of otherwise barely accessible information. In addition, personal anecdotes from the authors' vast experience make this a fascinating and indispensable textbook for everyone wishing to enhance the appreciation of this subject. ""I have never come across such an enticing mix of stories of discovery with basic chemistry!"" Roald Hoffmann Cornell University ""Simply put, this book is a gem. The chemistry described is rigorous but the warm, humorous, and conversational writing style makes the book a joy to read."" Dasan M. Thamattoor Colby College ""This is a unique, fascinating book that bridges organic chemistry principles with chemical industrial applications. The story telling style make the reading/learning experience extremely enjoyable."" Qiao-Sheng Hu, College of Staten Island, City University of New York

Full Product Details

9783527302895

Table of Contents

Reviews

...a well-structured, easy-to-read introduction to the principles of organic chemistry with a new didactic approach...offers valuable and new ideas... (Chimie Nouvelle, Vol.23, No.88, March 2005) ...this book excels, providing a wealth of information, insight, and inventive teaching...I intend to enjoy this text again and refer to it often. (Journal of Chemical Education, August 2004) The authors bring the principles and practice together in one textbook, with personal anecdotes to enliven the subject. (Depauw Magazine, Summer 2004) ...it is a fascinating presentation that is easy to read and keeps the reader alert by providing the historical details that put the industrial procedures into perspective. (Clinical Chemistry, October 2004) They (authors) also provide insight on how the well-being of corporate enterprises can, through a deep understanding of chemistry, complement the well-being of society and the global environment. (C & EN, July 19, 2004)

This book is a joy to read (and re-read). James A. Moore Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute This very interesting book is going to find a unique place in the repertoire of organic textbooks. James Canary New York University Simply put, this book is a gem. The chemistry described is rigorous but the warm, humorous, and conversational writing style makes the book a joy to read. Dasan M. Thamattoor Colby College I have never come across such an enticing mix of stories of discovery with basic chemistry! Roald Hoffmann Cornell University This is a highly original book filling an obvious need. Herbert Morawetz Polytechnic University This book is a delightful contribution to the field of organic chemistry that offers a useful pedagogical approach. Pedro Cintas, Facultad de Ciencias-UEX Badajoz, Spain What an excellent read! The book, intended for organic chemistry students, is in the style of the first books on organic chemistry by Isaac Asimov which impressed me as a teenager in the 1960s. It makes the discovery of new chemicals and processes seem exciting, and emphasises the importance of academic understanding in the development of the chemical industry. (...) The book is full of interesting anecdotes, often related to serendiptious discoveries. But, as Louis Pasteur said, Chance favours the prepared mind . (...) One interesting story on the cracking of petroleum and the subsequent build up of coke deposits relates to a father who was so obsessed with the subject that he called his son Carbon; Carbon then named his own daughters Methyl and Ethyl. In my opinion, any father who saddles his children with such names might be regarded es a well known arsenic heterocycle! In conclusion, all organic chemists should read this book for pleasure, not just to learn new knowledge. I hope the authors can be persuaded to write a second volume which covers the fine chemicals industry. Organic Process Research & Development, Dr. Trevor Laird This is a unique, fascinating book that bridges organic chemistry principles with chemical industrial applications. The story telling style make the reading/learning experience extremely enjoyable. Qiao-Sheng Hu, College of Staten Island, City University of New York This is a great book to have on one's shelf. It's interesting to read and useful for teaching at a variety of levels. Chemical & Engineering News They (authors) also provide insight on how the well-being of corporate enterprise can, through a deep understanding of chemistry, complement the well-being of society and the global environment. C & EN, July 19, 2004 ...a well-structured, easy-to-read introduction to the principles of organic chemistry with a new didactic approach ... offers valuable and new ideas... Chimie Nouvelle, Vol.23, No.88, March 2005 As a supplement to teaching, this book is excellent. ... In any case, don't wait, Green and Wittcoff is a great book to have on the shelf now. Angewandte Chemie I.E., Vol.43/No.47, 2004 Ein Buch, das man mit Vergnugen liest - und immer wieder zur Hand nimmt! James A. Moore Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Dieses sehr interessante Buch wird eine Sonderstellung unter den Lehrwerken der Organischen Chemie einnehmen. James Canary New York University Dieses Buch ist, kurz gesagt, ein Juwel. Der Stoff wird prazise behandelt, aber der warme, humorvolle und unterhaltsame Stil sorgt fur grosses Lesevergnugen. Dasan M. Thamattoor Colby College Eine derart verlockende Mischung von Grundlagen der Chemie und Geschichte(n) der Forschung ist mir noch nie begegnet. Roald Hoffmann Cornell University Ein hoechst originelles Buch, das ganz offensichtlich eine Lucke fullt. Herbert Morawetz Polytechnic University ...ist das Buch unbedingt zu empfehlen. Klaus Ditrich, Ludwigshafen Nachrichten aus der Chemie 3/04 Als vorlesungsbegleitender Text ist dieses Buch exzellent geeignet. Am Ende jedes Kapitels werden die wichtigsten Konzepte resumiert und ausgewahlte UEbungen zur Vertiefung des Stoffes angeboten. ... Der Green/Wittcoff ist ein hervorragendes Buch, das es verdient, gelesen zu werden. Jay S. Siegel, Laboratorium fur Prozessforschung, Organisch-Chemisches Institut, Universitat Zurich, Angewandte Chemie, 3. Dezemberheft 2004-116/47 und Angewandte Chemie International Edition, 3rd December Issue 2004-43/47

Author Information

Mark M. Green is Professor in the Herman F. Mark Polymer Research Institute at Polytechnic University.

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