Organic Chemistry (2^nd Ed.) An Acid-Base Approach, Second Edition

Based on the premise that many, if not most, reactions in organic chemistry can be explained by variations of fundamental acid?base concepts, Organic Chemistry: An Acid?Base Approach provides a framework for understanding the subject that goes beyond mere memorization. Using several techniques to develop a relational understanding, it helps students fully grasp the essential concepts at the root of organic chemistry.

This new edition was rewritten largely with the feedback of students in mind and is also based on the author?s classroom experiences using the first edition.

Highlights of the Second Edition Include:

• Reorganized chapters that improve the presentation of material
• Coverage of new topics, such as green chemistry
• Adding photographs to the lectures to illustrate and emphasize important concepts
• A downloadable solutions manual

The second edition of Organic Chemistry: An Acid?Base Approach constitutes a significant improvement upon a unique introductory technique to organic chemistry. The reactions and mechanisms it covers are the most fundamental concepts in organic chemistry that are applied to industry, biological chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, and pharmacy. Using an illustrated conceptual approach rather than presenting sets of principles and theories to memorize, it gives students a more concrete understanding of the material.

Introduction. Why Is an Acid–Base Theme Important? Bonding. Alkanes, Isomers, and an Introduction to Nomenclature. Functional Groups. Acids, Bases, Nucleophiles, and Electrophiles. Chemical Reactions, Bond Energy, and Kinetics. Rotamers and Conformation. Stereoisomers: Chirality, Enantiomers, and Diastereomers. Acid–Base Reactions of π-Bonds: Addition Reactions. Nucleophiles: Lewis Base-Like Reactions at sp3 Carbon. Bases-Induced Elimination Reactions. Substitution and Elimination Reactions Can Compete. Spectroscopic Methods of Identification. Organic Molecules That Contain Alkali Metals or Transition Metals (Organometallics). Carbonyl Compounds: Structure, Nomenclature, Reactivity. Oxidation. Reactions of Aldehydes and Ketones. Reduction. Carboxylic Acid Derivatives and Acyl Substitution. Aromatic Compounds and Benzene Derivatives. Enolate Anions: Acyl Addition and Acyl Substitution. Difunctional Molecules: Dienes and Conjugated Carbonyl Compounds. Difunctional Molecules: Pericyclic Reactions. Retrosynthesis and Synthesis. Heteroaromatic Compounds. Multifunctional Compounds: Amino Acids and Peptides. Multifunctional Compounds: Carbohydrates.

Michael B. Smith, University of Connecticut, Storrs, USA