Perspectives on Structure and Mechanism in Organic Chemistry [Hardcover]

Felix A. Carroll (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 25, 1997 | ISBN-10: 0534249485 | ISBN-13: 978-0534249489 | Edition: 1

Designed to help students not only understand what has been done in the past, but also be able to develop new concepts and to see new relationships in the future, Carroll's text emphasizes the nature and limitations of knowledge in chemistry, the need to question the underlying bases of familiar concepts, and the usefulness of exploring the role of complementary models in the understanding and practice of organic chemistry.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"With its emphasis on complementary models and independent problem-solving, this text is ideal for upper-level undergraduate and graduate courses in organic chemistry." (Forbes.com, 28 October 2010)
--This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

From the Back Cover

Helps to develop new perspectives and a deeper understanding of organic chemistry

Instructors and students alike have praised Perspectives on Structure and Mechanism in Organic Chemistry because it motivates readers to think about organic chemistry in new and exciting ways. Based on the author's first hand classroom experience, the text uses complementary conceptual models to give new perspectives on the structures and reactions of organic compounds.

The first five chapters of the text discuss the structure and bonding of stable molecules and reactive intermediates. These are followed by a chapter exploring the methods that organic chemists use to study reaction mechanisms. The remaining chapters examine different types of acid-base, substitution, addition, elimination, pericyclic, and photochemical reactions.

This Second Edition has been thoroughly updated and revised to reflect the latest findings in physical organic chemistry. Moreover, this edition features:

• New references to the latest primary and review literature

• More study questions to help readers better understand and apply new concepts in organic chemistry

• Coverage of new topics, including density functional theory, quantum theory of atoms in molecules, Marcus theory, molecular simulations, effect of solvent on organic reactions, asymmetric induction in nucleophilic additions to carbonyl compounds, and dynamic effects on reaction pathways

The nearly 400 problems in the text do more than allow students to test their understanding of the concepts presented in each chapter. They also encourage readers to actively review and evaluate the chemical literature and to develop and defend their own ideas.

With its emphasis on complementary models and independent problem-solving, this text is ideal for upper-level undergraduate and graduate courses in organic chemistry. --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 919 pages
• Publisher: Brooks Cole; 1 edition (April 25, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0534249485
• ISBN-13: 978-0534249489
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 7.6 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #688,697 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars excellent adv organic text., October 7, 1999

By 

Sherman Oaks "soellnmb" - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Perspectives on Structure and Mechanism in Organic Chemistry (Hardcover)

caroll's book is an excellent "advanced" organic textbook and reference. more of a teaching textbook than a strict reference guide, but all around great. it's without a doubt the best adv organic text i have come across (out of the 7 that i own and many others that i have glanced thru). highly recommended.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent intro to physical organic chemistry, December 28, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Perspectives on Structure and Mechanism in Organic Chemistry (Hardcover)

Carroll's text does not attempt to teach organic chemistry per se. Rather, it tells the story of how many of our key ideas about organic chemistry have developed through the past 80 years. I certainly do not recommend it for introductory students, but it is an excellent read for anyone intending to pursue chemical research because it urges the reader to challenge yet not entirely disregard the simple, often incomplete ideas that are taught to introductory students.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars an impetus of scientific temper, October 31, 2001

By 

Sreenivasa Anugu (reno, NV United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Perspectives on Structure and Mechanism in Organic Chemistry (Hardcover)

I read this text in my organic chemistry core course.I am certain that this is not one of the "run of the mill" texts in organic chemistry flooding market today.I must say it's really an advanced text that gives you less of statements and more of proposals.It stimulates reader's scientific temper and makes the reader challenge the simplistic and dogmatic perspectives prevailed in the contemporary organic chemistry.As mentioned by the author he could refrain himself from making it an encyclopedia of organic chemistry but he gives us the rationale behind the stabilities and reactivities of organic molecules by which one can enter into the "dreadful endless jungle"(in Friedrich Wohler's words,1835) with innumerous mind-boggling reactions with appreciable amount of confidence.It is not recommended for the beginner in the subject but is a real beacon for the graduate students in the feild.