Functional group chemistry - James R Hanson

Functional Group Chemistry presents the chemistry of functional groups with an emphasis on patterns of reactivity, the consequences of the relative electronegativity of the atoms that constitute functional groups, the role of lone pairs and the stereochemistry of reactions at a particular group. The material is presented in four chapters. The first chapter describes some of the general principles that affect the reactivity of functional groups. The second chapter examines the chemistry of functional groups involving s- C-X bonds as in alkyl halides, alcohols, ethers, amines and organometallic reagents. The third chapter covers the chemistry of both symmetrical and unsymmetrical p-bonded functional groups, typified by alkenes and carbonyl groups. The final chapter concentrates on aromatic compounds. It is concerned with the interactions between an aromatic ring and functional groups that are attached to it, such as their effect on the orientation of aromatic substitution. Each chapter concludes with a series of problems. The chemistry of the functional groups is considered here with a mechanistic rationale. Students are encouraged to consider the reactivity of functional groups in terms of their regions of electron deficiency and excess, and hence to identify the sites at which nucleophiles and electrophiles might react. Additional material is available on the website at www.rsc.org/tct Ideal for the needs of undergraduate chemistry students, Tutorial Chemistry Texts is a major series consisting of short, single topic or modular texts concentrating on the fundamental areas of chemistry taught in undergraduate science courses. Each book provides a concise account of the basic principles underlying a given subject, embodying an independent-learning philosophy and including worked examples.

"...recommend the book as an useful guide for students in organic chemistry at different levels."
Cellulose Chemistry and Technology, May/August 2003, p 347

"... very well presented ... Although this book is aimed primarily at first-year undergraduates, I believe it has a place in school and college chemistry departments ... I would suggest that heads of chemistry or science consider selecting this book, and some of the other titles from this series, for the departmental or school library."
School Science Review, June 2002, 83, 305, p 148

"... packed with information ... an excellent short text aimed at early undergraduates. The essential chemistry is described clearly and logically."
J Chem Soc Perkin Transactions 1, No 5, 7 March 2002, p 704

"... succinct and helpful."
The Times Higher Educational Supplement, 1 March 2002

"... highly recommended as an informative introductory guide for individuals requiring a comprehensive understanding of functional group chemistry."
Carbohydrate Polymers, 55, 2002