liquid chromatopaphy in their r~search.As theauthor suggest5in the Preface, thr* type 61 reference work will be mmt useful in the laboratory. Basically, this text is a very comprehensive handbwk on the preparmtion of covalent derivatives of oreanic comwunds suitable for determination h;eas ehramatomanhv. " . .. mass ~ p r r t n m r t r y and, , in some cases. hy liquid chnmamgmphy. l m pairs and derivatives uf inorganic ions are not covered nor are post. column derivatization techniques. The preparation of derivatives of organic compounds far analytical purposes is really, as the author points out, a special type of microscale organic synthesis. In Part I (24 pp.) of this text, the microscale apparatus used in this type of analytical derivatization is discussed briefly and a number of illustrations of the actual apparatus used as well as excellent schematic diagrams are presented. Common derivative types and the uses of analytical derivatization methods are covered also. Part I1 (638 pp.), which covers the derivatization of pmticular compound types and is the major emphasis of this text, is a collection of analytical derivatization methods and is organized into chapters covering specific compound types. For example, Chapter 1 covers hydroayl, sulfhydryl, and epoxy compounds. Chapter 2 covers amino comnounds. Chanter 9 covers derivatives (dini t e r e o n k c derivatives) for the chromatographic separation of optical isomers, and C'haptrr I5 covm thegeneralsubject o f d r u p although the derivatization of many drugs are covered in other chapters under specific compound types. In those cases the reader is referred back to the appropriatesection and .. . page. Each chapter is headed by a two t o five page overview on the general methods used in derivatization of that particular class of compounds. Following the overview, brief descriptions on the preparation of derivatives of particular compounds are given. The format used gives in order-the derivative type, the reagent, the sample type, the reaction, a typical procedure for preparing the derivative. ~. comments. and references. Enoueh mrthudvlogy is given an that the average scientist should pruhnhly he able to prepnre thedcrivative without omrulring theoriglnnl reference. In all cases the original reference is given, however, and for a book with so much detailed information this reviewer was surprized a t how up-to-date the references were. The literature through 1977 seems to have been covered. In order to conserve space the author does use many abbreviations, but a complete list of the abbreviations used is given and the abbreviations used should not cause the average reader much of a problem. The structural formulas of all reagents, compounds derivatiied and of the derivatives are given in all cases. This information should be extremely helpful to the many potential readers of this text who are not organic chemists. Part I11 of this text contains the appendices and indices. These include Derivative, Reaeent and General Suhiect Indices. In addl'tiion. an Author Index (&habetical). an Appendix on the wurccs and chcmwal c o n p m t m of h a n d name reagents, nnd an Appendix on suppliers of reagents and apparatus arranged according to country are given. This reviewer strongly recommends this
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text 10 all chromatogrnphcr~and mars spectroacopistr. In addition, it should he very useful tu scientists working in the area of organic synthesis and to teachers and students in qualitative organic analysis. Jerome W . O'Laughlin university of Missouri-Columbia Columbia. MO 65201
How to Flnd Chemlcal Inlormatlon
Robert E. Maizell, Olin Corporation, John Wiley & Sons, New York, 1979. vii 261 pp. Tables. 23.5 X 15.5cm. $17.95.
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As a travelguide directs one who ventures forth into unfamiliar places, this hook guides the researcher in hisiher quest for information. The author is an excellent traveling companion for it is ohvious that he has been along each of the routes before. He knows the best roads. the shortest trails. and the most comfortable way t,, reach the desired god. The firit five chapters of this wurk prorde insight into the urganization and implementation of a search strategy. Printed matter, for example, is not the only source. People, too, supply knowledge, and the importance of interaction with colleagues locally, nationallv. and internationallv is emnhasized. ~oope&ion between the r&archei and the information specialist is alsa stressed. A search strategy, Chapter 3, lists twenty steps for conducting an effective information search. The remaining ten chapters describe and evaluate abstracting services, computer retrieval systems, review literature, reference works, patents, safety, physical property data, business, and manufacturing processes. The coverage in the body of the text is through 1977. An eight page appendix extends much of the information through mid-1978. For those unable t o keep abreast of the rapid expansion of chemical sources, this book is ideal. On line and off line computer searching along with coverage of new and expanded information sources are but two of the areas emphasized. The source listings on safety-related information alone make this book essential for anyone responsible for the handling of chemicals andlor supervision of laboratories. This book is not a textbook. There are no end-of-chapter questions, no assignments, no tests. Yet, it would serve admirably as a source bwk for a course which trains students in researching chemical topics. Those with an academic background must realize that the emphasis favors the industrial chemist. However, knowledge of patents, chemical marketing, and chemical pnxesses is as important in training students as the more traditional topics. Those wishing to utilize the information cited must alsa keep in mind the resources and limitations of their own llhrnry fnrilmes. Not d l a v m w s of r x pl
