Organic Chemistry A Brief Survey of Concepts and Applications

Preface It is a privilege to present the sixth edition of our introductory organic chemistry textbook coincidentally with the beginning of the twenty-first century. We have been honored by opportunities for revision, translations into other languages, and the use of this textbook in many parts of the world as well as the United States. Our appreciation goes to the thousands of students and faculty members who have used this book during its 22-year history. Thank you; this experience has been a special part of our professional and personal lives. The following is a description of the focus and approach ofOrganic Chemistry,as well as how students and their instructors might best use the textbook. This treatment of organic chemistry is designed for a short course that consists of one quarter, one semester, or two quarters. It is written especially for students who are not chemistry majors but are in fields for which chemistry is a core course. Accordingly, we have limited the scope of the presentation and have introduced applications related to agriculture, life sciences, health and medicine, and consumer, environmental, and societal issues. The selection and organization of material is consistent with this short course focus. For each topic and concept we have tried to write clear and thorough explanations that promote understanding and critical thinking. We have tried to focus on the learning process, and to write in a way to engage the student intellectually. The facts learned in a college course are important, but the promotion of active learning and the appreciation for the material will outlast memorization. Most introductory organic chemistry courses are organized around a functional group approach in which molecules with specific structural units (functional groups) are classified in families that share similar physical and chemical properties and rules of nomenclature. Using the functional group approach we have organized the chapters as follows: Organization Chapters 1 to 3: The basis for structure and nomenclature.Structure and nomenclature of organic compounds are inextricably related. Competency in these areas is essential if students are to understand and appreciate the physical and chemical properties of organic compounds or to develop a practical understanding of applications. These topics are a major portion of every chapter of the book as each functional group is presented. In Chapter 1, structure and bonding are organized around just a few ideas, and each is clearly presented with the interrelationships shown. Chapter 2 covers the structure and nomenclature of alkanes including cycloalkanes and conformational isomers. Chapter 3 presents the structure and nomenclature of alkenes and includes a discussion of geometric isomerism. A wealth of exercises accompany each chapter to allow the student a hands-on experience with structure and nomenclature. Chapter 4: An Introduction to Organic Reactions.The basic simplicity of organic chemistry is illustrated here: three types of reactions - substitution, addition, and elimination; three types of mechanisms - carbocation, carbanion, and free radical; and a rather short list of structural features that are considered reaction sites. A free radical substitution reaction of alkanes and a carbocation elimination reaction for the preparation of alkenes conclude the chapter. Chapters 5 and 6: Reactions of Alkenes, Alkynes, and Aromatic Compounds.Based on structural concepts covered in Chapters 1 to 3 and the principles of organic reactions from Chapter 4, addition and substitution reactions, both with carbocation mechanisms, are presented in these chapters. Chapters 7 and 8: Stereochemistry and Organic Halides.Chirality, enantiomerism, diastereomerism, andR,Sconfigurations are presented in Chapter 7; a concluding short section relates these concepts to reactions alBailey, Philip S., Jr. is the author of 'Organic Chemistry A Brief Survey of Concepts and Applications', published 2000 under ISBN 9780139241192 and ISBN 0139241191.