Organic Chemistry: a mechanistic approach provides readers with a concise review of the essential concepts underpinning the subject. It combines a focus on core topics and themes with a mechanistic approach to the explanation of the reactions it describes, making it ideal for those looking for a solid understanding of the central themes of organic chemistry.
Opening with a review of chemical bonding and molecular shape and structure, the book then introduces the principal groups of organic compound before exploring the range of reactions they undergo. It retains an emphasis throughout on how and why organic compounds behave in the way they do, with the closing chapter on characterisation methods describing how the structure and composition of organic compounds can be studied in practice.
With an understanding of organic chemistry being central to the study and practice of a range of disciplines, Organic Chemistry is the ideal resource for those studying a one- or two-semester organic chemistry course as part of a broader programme of study in the physical and life sciences.
1: Chemical bonding and molecules
2: Molecular structure and shapes of organic molecules
3: Organic compounds: their functional groups, intermolecular interactions and physical properties
4: Conformation and strain in molecules
5: Conjugation, pi-electrion delocalization, and aromaticity
6: Acids and bases
7: Organic reactions and concept of mechanism
8: Nucleophilic addition to the carbonyl group in aldehydes and ketones
9: Nucleophilic substitution of carboxylic acid derivatives
10: Hydride reduction and grignard reactions of carbonyl compounds
11: Stereochemistry and handedness of molecules
12: Nucleophilic substitution and elimination reactions of haloalkanes
13: Reactions of alcohols, ethers and alkynes
14: Electrophilic addition to alkenes and alkynes
15: Electrophilic aromatic substitution
16: Enolate anions and their reactions
17: Nucleophilic addition to electrophilic alkenes
18: Nucleophilic aromatic substitution
19: Condensed polycyclic aromatic and heteroaromatic compounds
20: Rearrangement reactions
21: Reactions involving radicals
22: Organic synthesis
23: Biomolecules
24: Characterisation of organic compounds
Tadashi Okuyama is Professor Emeritus at the University of Hyogo, Japan, where his research has explored organic reaction mechanisms, acid-base catalysis, and heteroatom chemistry, and his teaching has included organic chemistry and advanced courses in physical organic chemistry. He has published a number of textbooks in Japanese, and has also translated a number of English language texts for the Japanese market.
Howard Maskill is a Guest Member of Staff in the School of Chemistry at Newcastle University, UK, having retired as Senior Lecturer in 2004. His research explores the mechanism of reactions of organic compounds in solution.