light with monomers and polymers might be expanded or another chapter added t o include recent advances in polymer processes involving sueh high energy processes a s electron bombardment processes. A small chapter on the use of chromium oxide polymer reaction catalysts appears out of place because of its specificity and might been included in the large chapter dealing with polymerizations by complex organometallic derivatives. Even so it is a positive contribution of a topic not often covered in a n easily readable form. The conscientious effort to draw together experimental results, defining general criteria for describing reaction pathways is appreciated. This approach is needed more often in our state-of-the-art hooks. Critical assessments and integration of data are freely made and alternate explanations and conflicting data are often offered strengthening the hook. I recommend the hook to those who are interested in the broad area of polymer chemistry, particularly to those engaged in research concerning the Reactivity, Mechanism, and Structure in (Vinyl) Polymer Chemistry and also to university libraries where graduate work in chemistry is occurring. Charles E. Carraher, Jr. university 01 South Dakota Vermiiiion. South Dakota 57069
Synthetic Reagents, Volume I J . S. Pizey, University of Aston in Bir-
mingham, Halsted Press (Division of John Wiley and Sons, Inc.), New York, 1974. vii + 411 pp. Figs. and tables. 15.5 x 23.5 cm. $36.50. This publication represents the first volume of a new series designed t o review the application of specific reagents to the synthesis of organic compounds. As noted in the introduction "Every volume will contain a small selective group of versatile and often used reagents which will be treated thoroughly and in depth. Each volume in general will contain an example of a reductant, an oxidant, a solvent, halogenating material, and some other versatile reagent." This volume covers the reagents Dimethylformamide, Lithium Aluminum Hydride, Mercuric Oxide, and Thionyl Chloride. The chapter on Dimethylformamide (100 pages) reviews uses as a solvent, synthetic applications, and (briefly) DMF aeetals. The chapter on Lithium Aluminum Hydride (194 pages) includes the preparation of C-0, C-N, C-S, C-C, C-H, organometallic, and metal hydrides bands. The Mercuric Oxide chapter (25 pages) covers oxidation, substitution, addition, and desulfuration reactions and the Thionyl Chloride chapter (36 pages) includes acid chloride preparation, dehydration, cyclization, and rearrangement reaction, and uses in heterocyclic systems. The volume is completed by an extensive, cross-refereneed index (52 pages). The overall coverage appears complete; each section contains specific examples, a discussion of applications, scope, and limitations, and is fully referenced (through 1970). This vol-
ume will provide a useful reference source for chemists engaged in organic synthesis. Volume I1 (in preparation) will cover NBromosueeinimide, Diazomethane, Maganese Dioxide, and Raney Nickel. Stephen A. Manti The univem8y of Texas at Austin Aostln. Texas 78712
Polymer Characterlzatlonby Thermal Methods of Analysis
Jen Chiu, E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Co. Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, 1974. VII + 254 pp. Figs. and tables. 15.5 X 23 cm. $22.50. Over 50% of all chemists are employed in some phase of polymer chemistry including the characterization of ~olymers. Since . . thermal analysis is a useful toul f w cham
