FEBRUARY. 1951
111
established in cultures, but we are not fully aware what substances are responsible for these potentials in many cases, nor what reversible oxidation-reduction system8 are actually being me=wed." The material added in the fifth and aeventh chapters actually contributes nothing new to the main subject besides emphasizing the fact that in all biological systems oxidation-reduction potentials do play a role. This broadening of scope, as stated in the preface, "has necessitated the epitomising of large subjects in small compass!' Perhaps the author has gone too far in this respect, or should think of another title for the book. For instance, discuasions of the Warburg manometer (under Systems of Biologicd Interest), of microbiological assay (under Bacteriological Applications), and of Fischer water determination (under The Polarograph) seem out of place in tbis book. Inclusion of this and other material made it necessary to save space by a mere listing of mme of the more pertinent contributions in the major topics. For instance, catalysis, the theoretical or practical importance of which cannot be denied, is given hardly more than a oace. and the whole tonic of reaction kinetics is completely ~-ig;~red. Nevertheless, the book, as its predecessors, will he of great help to the bacteriologist and the student of chemistry who wishes to get a broad viewpoint of oxidation-reduction phenomena and their proved or possible importance in all kinds of biological phenomena.
theme is developed many common name reactions sle analyzed, as are many of the lesser known reactions. Remangemeuts are especially well treated. Perhaps a little more evidence for the existence of carhonium ions would he in order. In the c h a p ters on Displacement Reactions and Elimination Reactions some new information is gleaned, and SNreactions are clearly explained. The organic student may have to be helped quite a bit with the physical chemistry. The background given by the preceding chapters makes the treatment of carbanions more easily understood. Discussions following on noncarbanion addition, esprinlly cnrbonyl group addition with nmuuuia d~rivnriwp,are ummg the best in i)lc book. llere studrnts should Lr nblc to fullwv this rnnt~rialwith no difleultv. E~sterifivntim.hvdrolvsis. substitution on the benzene ring, and diasonium r&&tiana a; also treated in subsequent chapters. The last chapter treats some of the newest work in organic reactions, and mention is made of the work of almost every research chemist presently engaged in the field. Ample references throughout the book encourage further reading. Unfortunately, space probably did not permit a discussion of the apparent variance of modern theory with classical work. Many references state that s e c o n d q amiues are almost specific catalysts for the Knovenogel reaction. "It is interesting that, of the number of catalysts and conditions investigated, acetamide in glscial acetic acid proved to be the best!' Wherein does the explilnation lie? Surely simple dehydration is not the answer. For a course which has as its prime objective the interpretation of organic reactions and as an introduction ta current research the book can be highly recommended. U w v r a s ~ nOP SAWFRANCISCO Sna Fn*.vcrsco. Cm.rsonma Uwrv~namrOP SINTI CT.ARA SANTACGARA, CALIPORMA
PRINCIPLES OF IONIC ORGANIC REACTIONS
0
Elliot R. Alexander. Assistant Professor of Chemistry, UniveRity of Illinois, Urhana, Illinois. John Wiley & Scns, Im., New York, 1950. viii 318 pp. 16 X 24 em. 55.50.
+
.
