BOOK
REVIEWS
Principles of Organic Chemirlry
T . A . Geisman, Lrniversity of California, Los Angeles. 2nd ed. W. H. Freeman and Company, San Francisco, 854 pp. Figs. and tables. 1962. x 16 X 23.5 cm. $9.75.
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This hook represents a. fine effort to introduce current theories of reaction mechanism concomitantly with a substantial part of the factual information t h a t has traditionally constituted an intraduatory course in organic chemistry. Where feasible, the resetions and properties of organic campounds are described as illustrative examples of general principles. Development of necessary principles and emphasis on mechanism entails slow progress through classical organic chemistry and lends to an overall ppresentation that is longer than most teachers are accustomed to offer for a me-year course. Theoretical organic chemistry today iia not sufficiently predictive to replace the teaching of specific reactions in many areas and a teacher must choose, within the limits of time and students' abilities, some compromise between a mechanistic and an empirical presentation. Professor Geissman's hook is sufficiently oomprehensive to allow oansidersble latitude in selection of a oompmmi~e. The first 115 pages are devoted to hackground mttterisl. Topics covered include structural formulas, a survey of the common functional groups, theories of bonding, acid-base reactions and system-
-Reviewed
atic nomenclature. Many students will have encountered most of these concepts in their general chemistry course, and this section can he covered rapidly. The organization of the main portion of the book follows the time-honored sequence of aliphatic, alicyclic, aromatic, and heterocyclic compounds. Failure to integrate aliphatic, alicyclic, and aromatic compounds may seem to forfeit one of the main simplifying advantages of a modern approach to organic chemistry. Material in the scope of natural products is well chosen and zppropriate to the interests of students preparing for careers in medicine, biochemistry, and related fields. Industrial organic chemistry is rarely mentioned, but there is a brief chapter on polymers. A concluding ohapwr on determination of structure of organic compounds is inadequate because spectroscopic techniques are ignored. The alkanes, dkynes and dyes are given sparse coverage but the variety of reaetions included for other classes of organic compounds is entirely satitisfactory. Yields to he expected from reactions are not indicated, and references to original literature or to supplementary reading are not included. A listing in an Appendix of 50 compounds whose preparation is described in "Organic Syntheses" is of little apparent value. The discussions of reaction mechaninisma are logical and thorough. Aromatic substitution reactions and suhstituent erects in benzene receive particularly detailed attention.
in This Issue
7'. A . Geissman, Principles of Organic Chemistry Harry F. h i s , editor, Laboratory Planning for Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Emil J . Ma~golis,Qualitative Anion-Cation Analysis: An Interpretative h b o r a tory Text of Semimicro Procedure in Basic College Chemistry Carl J . Rallhausm, Introduction to Ligand Field Theory J . Thewlis, editor-in-chief, Encyelopaedie Dictionary of Physics. Volume 7, Stellar Magnitude to Zwitter Ion J . Herbert Taylw, Molecular Genetics, Part 1 K. S. Spkglw, Salt Water Purification A. R. P a t t a , Science for the Non-Scientist Jacob Kleinbevq, editor-in-chief, Inorganic Syntheses. Volume 7 John J . MeKetlo, Jr., editor, Advances in Petroleum Chemistry and Refining. Volume 6 E w i n N . Hiebert, Historical Roots of the Principle of the Conservation of Energy l'aito 0.Sohe and Chades 0. Wilson, Rogers' Inorganic Pharmaceutical Chemistry
Stereoehemistry, optical activity, stereospecific reactions, conformational analysis, quantum mechanics, resonance theory, and molecular rearrangements are well presented. Some contributions from the areas of kinetics, thermodynamics, and isotopic labeling are included. Infrared, ultraviolet, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy is not discussed. The approximately 400 problems are straightforward and emphasize principles developed in the text. Answers to about half the problems are given in an Appendix. Structural formulas and figures are well drawn and numerous. Oversights in proof reading are few and minor. The Index (about 2000 major entries) is adequate. Professor Geissman's book will appeal to many teachers who are anxious to modernize their courses, and to many students who object to memorizing without inquiring into reasons. W. B. RENFEOW Oberlin College Oberlin. Ohio
Labomlory Planning for and Chemical Engineering
Chemistry
Edited by Harry F. Lewis, Institute of Paper Chemistry, Appleton, Wisconsin. Reinhold Publishing Corp., Kew 522 pp. Figs. and York, 1962. xiii tables. 22 X 26.5 cm. $20.
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The Committee on Design, Construction, and Equipment of Laboratories, Divisivn of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, National Academy of Scienees-National Research Council, and especially its editor, Dr. Harry F. Lewis, have rendered a most valuable service t o chemical education and the chemical industry in the preparation of this modern and very comprehensive guide for the eonvtructian of laboratory facilities. The book is arranged in seven sections; each written by one or more competent contributors. Section A, Organization of Planning and Construction, deals with t h e t w l m i q w fcsr pl;tnnmg I,\. the ownrr, rhe i t supplier:, xud l u i l 2nd r 1.e wsucmrilrilitiesof w v h . ~lt~linc;irrs Section B is concerned with general considerations including site selection. materials of construction, and traffic patterns far the movement of personnel and materials. Section C, entitled Specific Considerations, gives detailed information concerning plumbing, heating, ventilation, refrigeration, electrical services, and laboratory furniture. Section 1) is concerned with health and safety factors and includes a consideration of waste disposal problems. Section E, entitled Applications and Design, is concerned with modular arrangements, distribution of services, location of stock rooms, and special facilities, including shops and common denominator facilities, such as reception area, office arrangements, provision for secretarial services, conference, cafeteria, library, and similar areas used in common by all Volume 40, Number 7, July 1963
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