NEW BOOKS Catalytic Oxidation oJ Organic Compounds i n the Vapor Phase. By L. F. MAREKA N D DOROTHY A. HA“. American Chemical Society Monograph Series, No. 61. 428 p p New York: The Chemical Catalog Co., Inc., 1932. Price, $9.00. The appearance of this volume seems especially timely in view of the increasing application of catalysis to the problems of organic chemistry. The broad scope of the work is indicated by the chapter headings: Introduction; catalysis; catalytic decomposition of alcohols; oxidation of alcohols to aldehydes and acids; reactions involved in the synthesis of hydrocarbons and alcohols from water gas; oxidation of methanol to formaldehyde; oxidation of gaseous paraffin hydrocarbons; oxidation and hydration of olefins and acetylene; oxidation of petroleum oils; production of hydrogen from methane; surface combustion; the cause and suppression of knocking in internal combustion engines; oxidation of benzene and its derivatives; oxidation of naphthalene; oxidation of anthracene and miscellaneous polynuclear compounds; apparatus. In the preface the authors state that they believe i t best “to consider the facts regarding both the developed and undeveloped processes and to review these critically in so far as possible. The subject could have been approached from several angles, but i t was believed that a consideration of the reactions involved and products formed constituted the most satisfactory method of treatment for the present purpose.” The reviewer believes that the authors have admirably fulfilled their purpose and t h a t this volume will be an important addition to the library of those interested in catalytic oxidation. In the introductory chapter on catalysis a fairly complete picture is given of the current ideas and theories on the subject; however, a more complete discussion of the r61e t h a t catalysts play in initiating and breaking chain reactions would have strengthened this discussion. The authors have wisely discussed such reactions as catalytic decomposition, which are so intimately related to the problem of oxidation. The chapter devoted to the cause and suppression of knocking in internal combustion engines is one of the best reviews to be found on this important and controversial subject. Very complete references are given to the literature as footnotes, including numerous references to patents. The usefulness of the book might be improved by the addition of a n author index. The section on apparatus will be found very useful to those entering this important field of industry. It is the opinion of the reviewer that this volume is an important and valuable addition to the Monograph Series of the American Chemical Society. L. H. REYERSON. Introduction to Organic Chemistry. By ROGERJ. WILLIAMS.Second edition. New York: D. Van Nostrand Co., 1931. The revision of this text since the first edition (1927) includes more recent information on commercial processes and on certain rapidly developing fields such as carbohydrate chemistry. The author is successful in introducing many modern concepts at the earliest possible moment, building up a viewpoint which will not need to be greatly modified after advanced study. The detail is well chosen, the presentation direct, and the scheme always apparent. Although popular as a premedical text, the book is not limited in usefulness to short or special courses. P. D. BARTLETT. 657
