The Vocabulary and Concepts of Organic Chemistry

This book is a basic reference providing concise, accurate definitions of the key terms and concepts of organic chemistry. Not simply a listing of organic compounds, structures, and nomenclatures, the book is organized into topical chapters in which related terms and concepts appear in close proximity to one another, giving context to the information and helping to make fine distinctions more understandable. Areas covered include: bonding, symmetry, stereochemistry, types of organic compounds, reactions, mechansims, spectroscopy, and photochemistry. Preface.

1. Atomic Orbital Theory.

2. Bonds Between Adjacent Atoms: Localized Bonding, Molecular Orbital Theory.

3. Delocalized (Multicenter) Bonding.

4. Symmetry Operations, Symmetry Elements, and Applications.

5. Classes of Hydrocarbons.

6. Functional Groups: Classes of Organic Compounds.

7. Molecular Structure Isomers, Stereochemistry, and Conformational Analysis.

8. Synthetic Polymers.

9. Organometallic Chemistry.

10. Separation Techniques and Physical Properties.

11. Fossil Fuels and Their Chemical Utilization.

12. Thermodynamics, Acids and Bases, and Kinetics.

13. Reactive Intermediates (Ions, Radicals, Radical Ions, Electron-Deficient Species, Arynes).

14. Types of Organic Reaction Mechanisms.

15. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy.

16. Vibrational and Rotational Spectroscopy: Infrared, Microwave, and Raman Spectra.

17. Mass Spectrometry.

18. Electronic Spectroscopy and Photochemistry.

Name Index.

Compound Index.

General Index.

"..worth having in a collection as a first place to look for an answer." (Journal of Chemical Education, May 2006)

"…very valuable for professional chemists who wish to review material from organic chemistry and also should be welcomed by current organic students…highly recommended." (American Reference Books Annual, 2006)

"….curious cross between dictionary and textbook, a welcome update from the previous edition…offers ease of use…highly recommended." (CHOICE, November 2005)

MILTON ORCHIN, PHD, is Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Cincinnati.

ROGER S. MACOMBER, PHD, is Professor Emeritus in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Cincinnati.

ALLAN R. PINHAS, PHD, is Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Cincinnati.

R. MARSHALL WILSON, PHD, is Distinguished Research Professor and Head of the Department of Chemistry at the University of Cincinnati.

Concise, accurate, in-depth definitions of all key terms and concepts in organic chemistry

The language of organic chemistry embodies a unique set of concepts and nuanced meanings. For more than a quarter of a century, students and professionals seeking to acquire a quick and thorough familiarity with that language have turned to The Vocabulary of Organic Chemistry.

No mere alphabetical listing, this one-of-a-kind reference comprises eighteen topical chapters covering key subject areas in organic chemistry and related fields—from atomic orbital theory to polymer chemistry, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to the chemical utilization of fossil fuels. Related terms and concepts—such as catalyst and zoelite—appear in the same chapter and in close proximity to one another, thus placing them in context and making it easier for readers to grasp fine distinctions. And throughout, specific examples and clearly drawn structures help to clarify key concepts.

Revised and updated for the twenty-first century, The Vocabulary and Concepts of Organic Chemistry, Second Edition offers:

• Hundreds of terms and concepts—fully explained and in context
• Myriad examples and illustrations
• Brief introductory narratives that help place subject areas in historical perspective
• New sections on the four common spectroscopies (NMR, IR, Mass, UV) and photochemistry

Written by an author team with nearly one and a half centuries of combined teaching and research experience, this book is an ideal study aid for undergraduate and graduate students and a valuable professional resource for chemists who want to brush up on specific areas in organic chemistry.