Mechanisms in Organic Reactions

An increasing knowledge and understanding of organic reaction mechanisms has been a major factor in the rapid advance of organic chemistry biochemistry and pharmacology in the last century. It therefore forms a vital part of todays chemistry courses. Mechanisms in Organic Reactions helps students to make sensible proposals for the mechanisms of particular organic reactions and then how to distinguish between different possible mechanisms. Techniques for this include product studies kinetics and the identification of intermediates. Three chapters on intermediates discuss likely points of attack on molecules by anions radicals and cations and the important role of acid- and base-catalysed reactions and radical chain reactions. The prediction of reaction rates and the effects of structural changes on reaction rate are also covered. It concludes with a discussion of molecular reactions both thermal and photochemical - reactions which provide deep and beautiful insights into the reasons why some reactions go and others do not and why the majority of real-life reactions involve multi-step processes. The book provides both illuminating insights into fundamental chemistry and also practical value for students who will go on to teach research or be involved in other scientific roles (administration policy making or journalism).