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Title: Organic Chemistry (5th Edition) by L. G. Wade, L. G., Jr. Wade ISBN: 0-13-033832-X Publisher: Prentice Hall Pub. Date: 26 August, 2002 Format: Hardcover Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $141.33 |
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Average Customer Rating: 4.62 (13 reviews)
Rating: 5
Summary: Organic Certified!
Comment: L.G. "Skip" Wade has done an exceptional job at writing a textbook in probably the most merciless field of human endeavor. First, the physical aspect of the book is worth noting; the illustration is pleasant yet remain faithful to the scientific accuracy it wishes to convey. The glossy paper is sturdy, preventing the frequent mishaps of tear and wear so common to the undergraduate life.
Wade does not condescend as an author (a particular attribute that probably increases the likeability of an author/professor) ; he matter-of-factly admits to having made a "C" on his second organic test, a testament to the difficulty of the subject. He acknowledges the difficulty of organic chemistry, he concurs to the fact that memorization is indeed required, yet he offers the comforting assurance that organic chemistry is indeed the logical subject it has always been touted to be, as evidenced by the structured organization of the book.
The book begins with a review of general chemistry (Lewis structure, acids and bases, molecular orbitals, and the like) and sets to introduce briefly the electron-pushing principle so fundamental to organic chemistry. Alkane is covered next, introducing the concept of conformational analysis, polarity, intermolecular forces, and general introduction the other functional groups. The next chapter is on the study of chemical reactions, followed by stereochemistry (perhaps the hardest chapter). Maybe it is safe to suggest that the most logical part (fundamental principles) of organic chemistry resides in these first five chapters, while the dreadful memorization will soon ensue.
Chapter 6 onwards introduces the major functional groups (alkyl halides, alkene, alcohols, alkynes), where the general trend is to present the nomenclature, the uses, the synthesis, and the mechanism; in that order. Accompanying summary of informations so essential to the "memorization" is found at the end of every chapter.The underlying principles common to all field of organic chemistry are exemplified in the illustrative reactions of the functional groups.
Spectroscopy are introduced in Chapters 12 and 13, and the chapters following them are devoted to introduce the remaining major functional groups with knowledge of spectroscopy already presented. Chapters 23, 24, and 25 discuss the organic compounds of particular interest to the biologically-orientated, while Chapter 26 concludes the book with a survey of synthetic polymer.
The most striking characterictics of the book are probably its problem solving hints, problem-solving strategies and essential problem-solving skills boxes. It almost seemed as though Wade was right in front of you showing you where to push that lazy electrons; patient and reminding. The solved problems are also very illustrative. An accompanying solution manual should perfectly complement your journey into the wonderful world of organic chemistry!
Rating: 4
Summary: Five star book through first 15 chapters, then goes downhill
Comment: I remember reading the first edition of this book back in 1987, and my opinion of it didn't change much with this edition. The author does an exceptional job of introducing the concepts of organic chemistry in the first 15 chapters, although the stereochemistry chapter could be expanded 2-fold. Some of the explanations and descriptions in these chapters are better than anything else I've seen published. However, in the second half of the book, the complicated reactions and spatial requirements of aromatics, ketones, aldehydes, amines, etc., are listed more than explained. This is likely due to a combination of factors, the main one being that there is too much material to cover in a manner that does it justice. However, for a student who is taking the course, it must be offsetting to be going through the book, getting a good understanding of organic chemistry, then get hit with essentially a different book in the second semester of the course.
Since I am reading the text just to update my skills, I flipped through the second half of the book. For you all who have to take the course, good luck! {Actually, for practicing synthetic organic chemists, the material is necessary, but for more biologically-oriented scientists such as myself half the material is off-focus.}
Rating: 5
Summary: Fantastic!
Comment: The author has done an excellent job presenting the material in this textbook. The use of colored text and invaluable illustrations really make the lessons clear. There is no need to highlight or make side notes (something I often do) because the text is organized so well. The problems at the end of every section make you focus on what the author is trying to convey. By doing these problems religiously organic chemistry is easier to understand and can actually be fun (well, relatively at least).
Note: I recommend getting a really cheap used 4th edition solutions manual to go with the 5th edition book. There are very few differences and it is VERY helpful in terms of understanding where you're going astray with those end-of-section problems. This manual contains helpful explanations, not just answers to problems.
Overall "Organic Chemistry 5th Edition" is one of the best scientific textbooks I have ever seen.
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Title: Prentice Hall Molecular Model Set For Organic Chemistry (2nd Edition) by ESM Prentice Hall ISBN: 0205081363 Publisher: Prentice Hall Pub. Date: 19 August, 1983 List Price(USD): $45.00 |
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Title: Organic Chemistry as a Second Language by David R. Klein ISBN: 0471272353 Publisher: Wiley Pub. Date: 31 October, 2003 List Price(USD): $26.95 |
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Title: OrgoCards: Organic Chemistry Review by Steven Q. Wang, Babak Razani, Edward J.K. Lee, Jennifer Wu, William Berkowitz ISBN: 0764175033 Publisher: Barron's Educational Series Pub. Date: 30 March, 2002 List Price(USD): $19.95 |
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Title: Introduction to Organic Laboratory Techniques (with Endsheet) by Donald L. Pavia ISBN: 0030265665 Publisher: Brooks Cole Pub. Date: 01 February, 1999 List Price(USD): $124.95 |
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Title: Biology (6th Edition) by Neil A. Campbell, Jane B. Reece ISBN: 0805366245 Publisher: Pearson Higher Education Pub. Date: 11 December, 2001 List Price(USD): $128.00 |
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