Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

This book pursues possible strategies for synthesising mainly organic compounds, particularly those of interest to the health sector and related industries. Topics covered include addition reactions of aldehydes and ketones; the use of organometallic reagents to form carbon-carbon bonds (eg Grignard reagents); and radical reactions, including selectivity and chain reactions. Retrosynthetic analysis is introduced as a strategy for developing syntheses, along with biochemical pathways. Mechanism and Synthesis concludes with a Case Study on polymers, which demonstrates how chain reactions can be used to build up useful materials with specific properties, such as contact lenses. The Molecular World series provides an integrated introduction to all branches of chemistry for both students wishing to specialise and those wishing to gain a broad understanding of chemistry and its relevance to the everyday world and to other areas of science. The books, with their Case Studies and accompanying multi-media interactive CD-ROMs, will also provide valuable resource material for teachers and lecturers. (The CD-ROMs are designed for use on a PC running Windows 95, 98, ME or 2000.)

Table of contents provided by Syndetics

• Part 1 Carbonyl Compounds
• Carbonyl Compounds in Context
• The Structure of the Carbonyl Group
• Nucleophilic Attack at the Carbonyl Group
• Conclusion
• Part 2 Synthetic Applications of Organometallic Compounds
• Organomagnesium Halides
• Organolithium and Organosodium Compounds
• Organocopper Compounds
• Review of the Reactivities of Organometallic Reagents
• Organoboron Compounds
• Part 3 Radical Reactions in Organic Synthesis
• Reactions of Radicals
• Radical-Radical Coupling Reactions (Radical Combinations)
• Radical Chain Reactions
• Radical Fragmentation Reactions
• An Application
• Part 4 Strategy and Methodology in Organic Synthesis
• Synthesis in Organic Chemistry
• Requirements for Synthesis
• Planning a Synthesis
• Simple Disconnections: C-X Bonds
• Simple Disconnections: C-C Bonds
• CD-ROM Activity
• Control in Synthesis
• Further Factors Affecting the Choice of a Synthetic Route
• Synthesis of a Drug
• Part 5 Synthesis and Biosynthesis: Terpenes and Steroids
• The Laboratory Synthesis of Monoterpenes
• A Biochemical Interlude
• The Synthesis of Terpenes in Living Systems
• The Chemistry of Terpene Biosynthesis
• From Triterpenes to Steroids
• Case Study: Polymer Chemistry

Reviews provided by Syndetics

CHOICE Review

This book is one of a series written on independent study for students in the chemistry/biology sequence of the British Open University. A book of this type must be written with exceptional clarity, considering the fact that readers will not have immediate access to course instructors. Problems must be carefully chosen and their answers clearly explained. The book meets both of these requirements quite well. A diligent reader could gain a fairly good knowledge of the concepts covered. These include some of the most important in organic chemistry: the carbonyl group, synthetic applications of organometallic compounds, radicals, organic synthetic strategy, synthesis and biosynthesis of terpenes and steroids, and polymers. However, the book would be inappropriate as a resource for a full-year course in organic chemistry because important topics such as proteins, carbohydrates, aromatic substitution, conformational analysis, and spectroscopy are covered sketchily or not at all. Some of these do, however, appear to be discussed in the other seven books in the series. A useful supplement to a standard US course resource, since it contains some nice enrichment material not often found in standard works. ^BSumming Up: Recommended. General readers; lower- and upper-division undergraduates; two-year technical program students. A. Fry Wesleyan University