Review by Choice Review
In the US, college-level chemistry courses are typically organized around several subdisciplines (e.g., inorganic, organic, physical, analytical). Elsewhere, courses are structured differently, often incorporating several different disciplines into a single course. This book is intended to serve as a resource for one module of such a course at Open University in the UK. This particular module of this introductory-level course incorporates topics normally covered in both first- and second-year courses in the US. Part 1, "Chemical Kinetics," introduces the mathematical treatment of reaction rates, while part 2 ("The Mechanism of Substitution") and part 3 ("Elimination: Pathways and Products") apply the concepts of chemical kinetics to common organic reactions. Internal summaries, learning objectives, problems (with solutions), and a multimedia CD-ROM with programs for graphing data, viewing molecules, etc., support the instructional mission of the book. A final part describes a case study on zeolites, bringing an appreciated practical touch to the book. Though not appropriate for a US undergraduate course, this well-written book might be a nice supplement for a motivated undergraduate taking organic chemistry or a graduate student needing a review of fundamental topics. ^BSumming Up: Recommended. Lower-division undergraduates through graduate students. S. M. Adamus Providence College
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
