Catalysis in Chemistry and Enzymology [Paperback]

William P. Jencks (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 1987

Exceptionally clear, carefully written treatment of the nature of catalysis of reactions in aqueous solution. Coverage of mechanisms for catalysis, forces in aqueous solution, carbonyl- and acyl-group reactions, practical kinetics, and much more. Extensive bibliography. "... a masterpiece."—Nature.

Product Details

• Paperback: 864 pages
• Publisher: Dover Publications (September 1, 1987)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0486654605
• ISBN-13: 978-0486654607
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #451,186 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars one of the more important books on catalysis, January 4, 2004

By 

jose_monkey_org "jose_monkey_org" (ann arbor, mi, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Catalysis in Chemistry and Enzymology (Paperback)

jencks' classic tome "catalysis in chemistry and enzymology" gives such insights into the mechanisms of enzymes which many people are still working with. it's hard to believe this book is as old as it is, given how insightful the material remains.

this should be on the desk of every biochemist and enzymologist, it is that important. what jencks clearly outlines are how the major forms of enzyme reactions work, what their mechanisms are, and how these reactions are catalyzed in terms of kinetics and thermodynamics. only a handful of people can write so clearly and authoritatively, and jencks is near the head of that class. in graduate school i read through this and i am glad i did. i was empowered with insights and knowledge i haven't found elsewhere. on more than one occassion this saved my bacon.

the layout of the book is not only natural but extremely effective. you'll find it easy to navigate and study.

my only complaints with the dover edition is the quality of the binding. given the size of the book, you'll have to crack it open and the binding will weaken. be careful with the book, it's possible you'll wind up with pages falling out afer a few years.

the dover edition is nice in that it adds an important paper by jenck on enzyme-ligand interactions and their energetics (from 1975). don't let the date of this book put you off, it's as relevant as any book from the past five years if not moreso. everyone builds on this, and no one has yet surpassed this material.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must for an enzymologist, October 5, 2008

By 

Hongyi Wang (Houston TX) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Catalysis in Chemistry and Enzymology (Paperback)

Enzymology was developed in the hands of chemists and can be best appreciated and understood by chemists. That generation set the foundation of enzymology with great elegance and immense patience in a rather artistic and poetic manner.

I was happy enough to reach this book in 2001. Not too late in a career. Its written style is clear and crispy much like running mountain creeks. The insights by the author demonstrate a deep harmony of the theories, experiments and understandings.

Enzymology is not equal to kinetics plus site-specific mutations; enzymology means much more than that. Time has changed and some claims are too easily made. However the true values go on to hold
.
To be serious in enzymology and catalysis, one needs to read this book a few times.

By then it would be hard to claim an enzymologist.