BOOK
REVIEWS
Synthetic Mathods of Organic Chsmirtry. Volume 14
W. Theilheimer. S. Karger, Interscience Publishers, Inc., RTew York, 1960. xvi 549 pp. Many figures. 16.5 X 23.5 cm. $29.50.
+
In this handy hook the author again succeeds in providing an annual handy reference for "new methods of synthesis of organic compounds, improvements of known methods, and also old proved methods scattered in periodicals!' In the present volume there are 995 moncgraphs, over 453 pages of texts. There follow 95 pages of indices which not only index the material in the present text hut also c r m reference to pertinent items in previously published volumes of the series. The monographs are indexed uniquely, according to a simple system created by the author (see Vol. 2). Again in this volume, the section on trends in synthesis which precedes the pages of monographs, is an interesting and informative section. Some of the examples cited at random from this section are the use of triarylalkyl borons for the preparation of other organometallic compounds, for example, for dialkylmercury even in aqueous solution, a new aldehyde synthesis from acid derivatives through l-acylpyrazoles, the selective cleavage of esters with lithium iodide, a new and simple technique for the replacement of diazonium by nitro groups which gives high yields in certain cases, and the use of dimethyl sulfaxide as an excellent solvent for the conversion of alkyl chlorides into the corresponding nitriles. Many examples could he chosen from the text to illustrate the author's aware-
-Reviewed
ness of and sensitivity to new techniques as published in the literature. Some of these are the use of ruthenium tetroxide as a powerful oxidizer, the oxidation of methyl groups with sulfur and sodium hydroxide, the introduction of trifluoromethyl groups into heterocyclic compounds and a modification of the Guerbet condensation, using potassium hydroxide and boron anhydride. As the reviewer recommended in his prior review (THIS JOURNAL37, 218 (1960)), practicing organic chemists will find browsing through this text a rewarding experience; the hook is highly recommended far this purpose. ERNESTI. BECKER Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn Brooklyn, New York Isotope Effects on Reaction Rates
Lars Melander, Nobel Institute of Chemistry, Stockholm, Sweden. The Ronald Press Co., Near Yo&, 1960. vi 181 pp. Figs. and tables. 14 X 21 cm. $6.
+
Following a brief introductory chapter which includes some general references to the subject of isotope effects, thetopies of Chapters 2 through 9 we as follows: Prediction of RateConstmt Ratios from Molecular Data; Evaluation of RateConstant Ratios from Experimental Data; Primary Hydrogen Isotope Effect in Single Reaction Steps; Secondary Hydrogen Isotope Effects; Hydrogen Isotope Effects and Reaction Mechanisms; Carbon Isotope Effects in Single Reaction Steps; Carbon Isotope Effects and Reaction
in This Issue
W . Theilheimer, Synthetic Methods of Organic Chemistry. Volume 14 Lars Melander, Isotope Effects on Reaction Rates l a . B. Zeldovich and A. 8.Kompaneets, Theory of Detonation Paul Pascal, Editor, Nouveau Trsite de Chimie Minerale. Volume 15 Frederick I,. Filzpat7iek, Editor, Policies for Science Education R. B. Heslop and P . L. Robinson, Inorganic Chemistry: A Guide to Advanced Study M. Stacetj and S. A . Barker, Polysaccharides of Micro-Organisms Adrim Albert, Selective Toxicity John T. Edsall, Editor, Amino bcids, Protein, and Canoer Biochemistry 12. M. Acheson, An Introduction to the Chemistry of Heterocyclic Compounds E. H. B. Pielseh, Editor, Gmelins Handhuch der Anorganischen Chemie. 8 Auflaee. Svstem Nummer 15. Silicium. Teil B Van R, P&?, ~ u c l e i cAcid Outlin&. Volume I C . K . Ingold, Substitution at Elements other than Carbon Ralph T . Overman and Hel-bert M. C h ~ kRadioisotope , Techniques. Ralph A. Raphael, E. C . Taylor, and Hans Wynberg, Advances in Organic Chemistry: Methods and Results. Volumes 1 and 2 Louis F. Fieser and Mary Fieser, Style Guide for Chemists. Marcel Florkin and Hovrard S. Mason, Comparative Biochemistry. Volume 1, Sources of Free Energy Melvin S. Nezuman, Editor, Organic Syntheses. Volume 40
330 1 Journol of Chemical Education
Mechanism, and finally, Isotope Effect8 with Elements Heavier than Carbon. Chapter 2 is by far the most important in the book, for Melander starts with the theory of absolute reaction rates, and discusses the physical meaning of each mathematical component of the relstionships which comprise the present day isotope effect theory. The development is done in a straightforward, almost conversational, fashion, and one need not follow the mathematiw closely to understmd the principles involved. The sim-
so that they might be applied in specific instances are presented and discussed. On page 42 a chart iis given which interrelates the different expressions and approximations in a. descending scale of utility from heavy isotopes to isotopic hydrogen. Both the strength and the weaknesses of the theory are impartially presented in a proper perspective. In Chapter 3 Melander discusses and illustrates, with appropriate plots, bath the cumulative and differential relationships between isotopic ratios of rectctant and product a s functions of fraction of reaction and isotope effect. The concept of the "lagging" of the heavier isotope is B much misunderstood fsotor, and yet s. clem knowledge of it is essential to a proper evaluation of tracer results. Chapter 3 should, therefore, he of great importance to organic chemists and to biochemists who work with the isotopes of carbon and hydrogen. The remainder of the hook is devoted to discussions of specific examples of primary and secondary hydrogen isotope effects, to effectswith carbon, oxygen and sulfur, with special emphasis upon what type of mechanistic information can be gleaned from such studies. In the Preface, Melander admits the subjectivity with which he chose certain references for discussion. Such is always an author's privilege however, and by having placed his stress upon principles rather than upon a comprehensive treatment of the literature of isotope effects, the author has imparted readability and simplicity to his hook. This is an outstanding, well-written book about a very important field of science. It is also authoritative, for there are, beside Melander, perhaps only one or two others with sufficient firsthand knowledge to have written it. It should appeal to the beginner and expert alike and should he on the desk of every research scientist who uses isotopes. CLAIRJ. COLLINS Oak Ridge NatiDnal Labomtory Oak Ridge, Tennessee
Theory of Detonation
l a . B. Zeldovich and A. S. Kompaneets. Academic Press, Inc., New York, 1960. 284 pp. Figs. and tables. 16 X 23.5 em. 510.
'l'llis is n rccenl pulhmtlon in ttmdntion of 3 h o k which was firrt 1)uhlieherl in \los~nwiu l!lM. The h u l i ie hlsrcl on
