The Colours of Life: An Introduction to the Chemistry of Porphyrins and Related Compounds [Hardcover]

Lionel R. Milgrom (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0198553803 | ISBN-13: 978-0198553809 | Publication Date: May 15, 1997

Why are leaves green and blood red? The answer lies with one family of pigments, the porphyrins and their relatives. These pigments are also responsible for the fundamental energetic processes that make life as we know it possible. The properties of these colorful molecules are now being investigated for use in a wide range of applications, from cancer therapy to microelectronics. The Colours of Life is intended to be an introduction to the porphyrins and their role in life.

Editorial Reviews

Review

`The chemistry along the way is elaborate, engaging and presented with unusual insight.' Thomas A. Moore, Arizona State University, Nature, Vol. 389, October 997

`The chemistry along the way is elaborate, enagaging and presented with unusual insight.' Thomas A. Moore, Arizona State University,

`Milgrom's book is written in an easy, accessible style, drawing on his wide experience of writing for the popular press. As such it is very readable and would be a worthwhile addition to many bookshelves. The scientific treatment is broad. The book is well presented and liberally illustrated by clear diagrams ... The colours of life has much to offer the reader who will enjoy Milgrom's clear enthusiasm for his subject.' Duncan Bruce, University of Exeter, Chemistry and Industry, December 1997

About the Author

Lionel R. Milgrom, University Lecturer, Department of Chemistry, Brunel University, Uxbridge.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (May 15, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0198553803
• ISBN-13: 978-0198553809
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7,338,394 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars This is perhaps the only current text on porphyrins., July 20, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Colours of Life: An Introduction to the Chemistry of Porphyrins and Related Compounds (Paperback)

This is perhaps the only current textbook on porphyrins, most other books being severely outdated. I use this book to provide my graduate students a quick introduction to porphyrin chemistry. The book's main strength, in my opinion, is that it places comparable amounts of emphasis on chemical and biological aspects. Regarding the chemical aspects (at least), I would have preferred a somewhat more advanced level, that would have allowed a bit more detailed and rigorous discussions on, say, synthesis, metalloporphyrin electronic structure, etc. Thus, I feel that a special topic course on porphyrin chemistry could not be primarily based on this book, but this book certainly deserves being on the required reading list. The book is fun to read. There are no other recent books covering the same subject. It's certainly a worthwhile purchase for anyone with more than a passing interest in porphyrin chemistry.