SynopsisEssential Organic Chemistry is designed to help students see organic chemistry as an interesting and exciting science and to give them an opportunity to develop critical-thinking skills. It engages students through detailed presentation of reactions, providing a solid understanding of reactivity rather than requiring rote memorization. Once students understand the reasons behind the reactivity of organic compounds, they then will be better prepared to understand the reactions involved in such areas as metabolism, PCR and genetic engineering. The book maintains the traditional organization that concentrates on one functional group at a time while comparing and contrasting the reactivity of different functional groups. Structural concepts in Essential Organic Chemistry such as stereochemistry and spectroscopy are thoroughly treated as useful techniques that enhance the fundamental study of chemical reactivity. Study aids such as first exposure icons, rules, summary tables, reaction summaries and glossaries are provided to emphasize and review the most important topics. This innovative text from acclaimed educator Paula Bruice is organized in a way that discourages rote memorization. It highlights mechanistic similarities and ties synthesis and reactivity together-teaching the reactivity of a functional group and theSynthesis.
About the Author
Dr. Bruice received an A.B. (magna cum laude) from Mount Holyoke college and a Ph.D. (organic chemistry) from the University of Virginia. She was an NIH postdoctoral fellow at the University of Virginia School of Medicine and did postdoctoral work at Yale Medical School. She has been the recipient of the Associated Students Teaching Award, the Academic Senate Distinguished Teaching Award, the Mortar Board Professor of the Year Award, and the USCB Alumni Association Teaching Award.
