Foundations of College Chemistry, Fifth Edition

Foundations ot College Chemistry,. Fifth Edition. Morris Hein, BrookslCole Publishing Co.,. Monterey, CA, 1982. vil + 577 pp. Figs. and tables. 19 X 2...
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Foundations ot College Chemistry, Fifth Edition Morris Hein, BrookslCole Publishing Co., 577 pp. Figs. Monterey, CA, 1982. vil and tables. 19 X 24 cm. $22.95.

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Study Guide: Hein's Foundations of College Chemistry, Fifth Edition Peter C. Scott, BrooksICole Publishing 216 pp. Co., Monterey, CA. 1982. vii Figs. and tables. 15 X 2 3 cm. $9.95.

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Foundations of Chemistry in the Laboratory, Filth Edition Morris Hein. Leo R. Best, and Robert L. Miner, BrookslCole Publishing Co.. Monterey, CA, 1982. ix 28 pp. Figs. and tables. 21.5 X 28 cm. $14.95.

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This edition does not differ radically from previous editions. Most changes, for example, an expanded problem-solving section and more review exercises are to facilitate learning rather than to alter the composition and substance of the textbook. T h e content is in a fairly orthodox sequence and is intended for students in a beginning, onesemester chemistry course. T h e level of material is generally appropriate and with a few exceptions the contents are presented thoroughly, lucidly, and in a skillful manner which should he stimulating for readers. There are copious problems to be worked a t t h e end ofeach chapter, and there are intermittent substantial review exercises; together these constitute, in smaller print, almost twentv uercent of the total oaees. A student

and molecular geometry and its explanations. T h e absence of references for further reading is a shortcoming which is a t least consistent with the lack of indications in the narrative of inadequacy of some explanations a t this level. There are few factual errors, an almost negligible number of printing errors, and the presentation aspects are good. However, the reader is left with the impression that molecular oxygen contains only paired electrons, will not be able to determine hydrogen ion concentration from pH, will probably have a sketchy understanding of logarithms, and will almost certainly not be able to solve some solubility and solubility product problems because of the inadequacy of the range of worked examples in the narrative. S I units althoueh introduced are not used.

manual and instructor's manual (not re^ viewed) can be obtained. Not withstanding the reservations expressed above and the reviewer's preferences, the reviewer is favorable toward this textbook. T h e price is modest for the quality and quantity of material contained in what appears to be a durable book. Instructors considering various offerings fur adoption for the kind of course indicated would d o well to include this text in their deliberations. Colin D. Hubbard UniverSily of New Hampshire Durham, NH 03824

Basics for Chemistry David A. Ucko, Academic Press, New York, NY. 1982. v 636 pp. Figs. and tab l e s 19.5 X 24 cm.

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Study Guide to Accompany "Basics for Chemistry" Marttx H Mackin. Academic Press. New York, NY. 1982. i i i 540 pp. Figs. and tables. 21.5 X 28 cm.

with varying-tone diagrams. It is too had that the publisher could not have used st least one color d a t e of suecimens of elements: elements: attrane appeal by a riih aspect of chemistry canno: be invoked without color plates. Sections throughout the text entitled "Do I t Yourself," where the student is urged ta try some chemistry in his own home are nicely done. Such experiments as extracting indicators from cabbage leaves and a n amusing "metric muffin" recipe (many European kitchens do have trip-balances) are examples. Moreover, there are 4 sets of Review Exercises placed throughout the baok, in which material developed over several chapters is gathered together. This good idea would be even better if some of the questions were a t the level Piaget would call formal. My only real quarrel with the text is with the use of arcs outside small colored circles labelled "nucleus." This orbit representation of atomic structure leads students to error, notwithstanding the disclaimers and electron-density diagrams later on in the chapter. This planetary orbit idea is reinforced two chapters later in the discussion of bonding. There are many guod examples ofhow todeal with these sophisticated concepts with naive students (CHEM STUDY, among others, comes to mind); after all, Schraedinger wrote down the equations in the early 20's and we have had enough time to deal with it. This is the only part of the texts which moderates the enthusiasm that I d o have for it. 1think the author has missed a good bet by representing this only as a text fbr college students who need some background before embarking on a rigorous college chemistry curriculum. I f a highschool teacher does not want the rigor of, say CBA or CHEMSTUDY, this is a guod candidate. Any high school student who is guided through this will be able to step into a strong course a t the level of Dickerson, Gray and Haight, Maciel, Traficante and Lavalee, CHEM ONE or other of this ilk without breaking stride. DAVID F. DEVER Macon Junior College Macon, GA 31297

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CONTINUING SERIES -1981-

chemistry.

iext and before a whole chapter in inorganic nomenclature. I t would be preferable to introduce conductivity of solutions at the same time as the concept of hydrated ions in solution rather than in a following chapter. The topic of chemical kinetics deserves a discrete section or chapter on its own with attendant thoroughness and cohesion. In the sections upon monofunctional organic compounds amines and amides are omitted essentiallv

to be included. Not everything can be included in a text at this level, but it is difficult to accept that chemical bonding is described with virtually n o mention of simple orbital overlap theory

performance objectives, a succinct summary and a check~offprogress chart. One nice feature is the thorough index. In the preface, the author mentions that this hook is primarily written for those students who have nochemistry background and want to be prepared for a solid college course. Good enough. T h e author also says that it is designed for one semester or one quarter. I disagree. T o cover all the material in this baok would require two full quarters at least, but on balance would be worth the time. Many problems have been worked, in painstaking detail. T h e examples of equilibrium calculations are particularly well done. Also, there is a wealth of descriptive material which would maintain interest and chemical explanations of everyday phenomena that are quite informative. There are many blackand-white photos throughout the text along

Annual Reports in Organic Synthesis1981 L. G Wade, Jr. and Martin J. O'Donnell (Editors), Academic Press, Inc., New York, NY. 1982. xiii 498 pp. Figs. and tables. 15 X 22.5 cm. PB $26.00.

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List o f Topics: Carbon-Carbon Bond Forming Reactions, Oxidations, Reductions, Synthesis of Heterocycles, Protecting Croups, Useful Synthetic Preparations, and Miscellaneous Reviews.

Volume 60

(Continued on page A204) Number 7

July 1983

A203