BOOK REVIEWS ern approaches t,o polymerization reactions, and the nature, structure and ehemistry of initiaturs in vinyl polymerization, make the book particularly ndnpteble t o use in organic chemistry courses. Among the topics of recent interest discussed under the conventional condensation polymer systems are the polyimides, polyimidaeoles, and polytrittzoles, structures which possess high thermal stability. The separate discussion of polymerization by ring-opening reactions is 8. particularly novel approach to these systems. While, in general, these reitct,ions can be considered as a special class of addition polymerizations, they are more easily understood by the novice in the field when summarized RS the author has done, and treated as a class. A special cliass of polymerization resetims are discussed separately, predominantly because they do not lend themselves t o easy clilssification among the well-known broad classes. The various types of vinyl addition polymers are discussed mainly from a structural standpoint although the preferred initiator systems for each type are included. Also, as supplementary information for the render of this chapter, information on the various types of initiator systems is presented in the discussion of mechanisms and kinetics of polymerization. The brief treatment of naturally occurring polymers includes some excellent illustrative material. I n general, the format end illustrations are excellent, and the render is given some insight into the threedimensional nature oi polymer systems which is not readily apparent from many other sources of information. An exrellent treatment of stereoregularity in polymers is also included. GEORGEB. BUTLER liniversit~of Florida Gainesuille An Introduction to Polymer Chemistry
W. R. Moore, Bradford Institute of Technology, England. University of London Press, Ltd. (published in U.S.A. by Aldine Puhlishing Co., Chicago), 1963. 270 pp. Figs. and tables. 14.5 X 2 2 5 em. 57.50. In the preface, the author makes the following statement: "There are many textbooks and monographs, often rather expensive, which deal a t an advanced level with the physical and organir chemistry of high polymers and with specialized aapects in these fields. Reasnnah1.v compact and moderately priced books providing an introduction t o the rapidly expanding field of high-polymer chemistry are less common. This teat, based on lectures given by the author and his colleagues a t postgraduate and undergraduate levels.. .is an attempt t o provide such a book." A rather careful examination of the contents lead8 t o the conclusion that the author has accomplished his purpose very well. The topics discussed, fallowing a brief introductory chapter are the iollowing: poly-
(Continued on page A9W)
A898
/
Jourrml o f Chemical Education
BOOK REVIEWS merization, the structure and properties of polymers, the interaction of polymers and liquids, synthetic organic addition polymers, synthetic organic condensation polymers, inorganic and semi-inorgmic polymers and natural organic high-polymem. Each of the topics discussed, if treated exhaustively, would occupy several valumes, and such volumes are available; however, the discussion included here is adequate for the beginner in polymer chemistry, either as a. student of chemistry or chemical engineering a t the undergraduate level or as s. research chemist in the laboratory beginning a program of synthetic polymer chemistry or a study of polymer properties. Xumerous references are included to introduce the reader to these valuable treatises on the various subjects. The biochemist interested in becoming more familiar with the chemistry of the svnthetir counternarts of the natursiderahle value. The teacher of organic or physical chemistry a t either the graduate or undergraduate level would find this book quite useful as a supplementary text for introducing t h e subject of high polymer chemistry to his students. As a text for a course in high polymer chemistry a t either the advanced undergraduate or graduate level this book would be ideal, pmvided a p p m priate supplementd matenal either fmm the wealth a i sperialized topics sources or from the current literature were used. The format and illustrations are plonsine to the reader. and tonic headines within e&h chapter arkset a p a k for easfincrttion by the onsunl or rapid reader. The various methods of determination of molecular weights and other physical properties of polymers are discussed briefly and the fundamental theories presented. Little detail as to the experimental procedures necessary fur carrying out these operations in the laboratory is given, but reference material is cited. The tremendous importance of stereirregularity in polymers is perhaps not sulliciently emphasized in the b m k , although a discussion is present,ed. Numerous interesting and potentially important polymer systems are omitted. For example, the "1-nylons" derived from anionic polymerization of organic isocyanates are not discussed; however, such recent mpolymers as the tetrafluoroethylene-trifluoronitrosomet,hane copolymers are hriefly referred to.
GEORGE R. BUTLER Cniumsity q f Floioridla Gainesuiile Essentials of Biological Chemistry
James I,. Fairlag and Gordon I,. Kilgoi~r, Michigan State University, East Lsnsing. Iteinhold Publishing Corp., Xew York, 18fi3. xiii ? X i pp. Figs. :md tables. 15..5 X 23.5 cm. Si.50.
+
The authors lxwe undertnken t o write 2 text for an introductory course in hio(Contintred m page AQOZ)
A900
/
Journal of Chemical Educofion
