Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry [Hardcover]

John E. McMurry (Author), Eric E. Simanek (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0495012033 | ISBN-13: 978-0495012030 | Publication Date: March 29, 2006 | Edition: 006

Written for the short course-where content must be thorough, but to-the-point, FUNDAMENTALS OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY, Sixth Edition, continues to provide an effective, clear, and readable introduction to the beauty and logic of organic chemistry. McMurry presents only those subjects needed for a brief course while maintaining the important pedagogical tools commonly found in larger books. With clear explanations, thought-provoking examples, and an innovative vertical format for explaining reaction mechanisms, FUNDAMENTALS takes a modern approach: primary organization is by functional group, beginning with the simple (alkanes) and progressing to the more complex. Within the primary organization, there is also an emphasis on explaining the fundamental mechanistic similarities of reactions. Through this approach, memorization is minimized and understanding is maximized. The sixth edition brings in new content that applies organic chemistry to students, for example all of the chapter openers have been changed and incorporate a model and photograph of an application of organic chemistry such as Taxol from the pacific yew tree. The book introduces a running application in the Interlude boxes and in the problems relating agricultural chemicals intended to unify the subject further for students. All of the problems have been reorganized by topic to make easier to assign and review. New problem categories have been added. The new problem categories are "In the Field with Agrochemicals" and "In the Medicine Cabinet" to reinforce the focus on applications.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"We have found the McMurry texts to be unique in their utility for our two cycle approach and we are able to efficiently service two groups of students with different needs. For these reasons, we have been satisfied and have seen no reason for change." Robert Cameron, Samford University

"Chapter 9 is well organized and includes an appropriate selection of material given the overall topic. The in-chapter problems are well chosen and presented in a timely manner. The illustrations are helpful and there are lots of end-of-chapter problems for students to work." Steven Holmgren, Montana State University

"Chapter 17 is an excellent chapter…. It seems as though the author has a particular fondness for this topic that shows in his thoughtful and entertaining handling of the subject matter. The use of color to help students follow the transfer of atoms and pieces of molecules during catalytic reactions in this chapter is very effective. The author is also commended for his frequent reminders to the reader that these biological processes are comprised of organic reactions that they have studied earlier in the book." Alvan C. Hengge, Utah State University --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

About the Author

Ph.D. Columbia University --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 640 pages
• Publisher: Brooks Cole; 006 edition (March 29, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0495012033
• ISBN-13: 978-0495012030
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 8.2 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #474,846 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Does it really cut it, May 4, 2005

By 

A. Shankar "blue ego" (NSW Australia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry (Hardcover)

This book is an OK introductory organic chemistry text however I wanted more. I personally needed a book which gives a clear understanding of the basics and advanced concepts. I found two books which if used together produce the best results.

March's advanced organic chemistry and Organic chemistry by wade (6th edition).

These books are of tremendous help to me in understanding the fundamentals and also the more advanced concepts of organic chemistry. I also wanted to save money as I am doing further organic synthesis and other carbon chemistry subjects later on so I needed a book that is particularly good for reference.

If you are prescribed this book then go for it but I personally feel it doesnt really cut it for me. (I will edit this soon)

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Not a good textbook, February 7, 2010

By 

M. trooien (Brookings, SD) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry (Hardcover)

This textbook does not really cover the fundamentals of organic chemistry but more advance fundamentals. Students really need to have at least two semesters of general chemistry before attempting Organic Chemistry and this textbook is more advanced than what I needed for a two-year college degree. I will be looking for something less advaance and easier for the students to read. The textbook would be excellent for more advance degree seeking students. The students that I have are not chemistry majors. The description of the textbook is misleading. I will not be using this in future semesters. Also for the price, students should have access to study tools online and not be gouged for more money after paying an exuberant price for the book.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars I thought it was the 7th edition, July 25, 2011

By 

MTmommie - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry (Paperback)

I thought this was the 7th edition, I looked as hard as I could but couldn't find the edition on it. I was looking at a hard cover 7th edition and this was listed under paperback for the 7th but when I got it it was the 6th edition. The preview showed the 7th too.