Foundations of Organic Chemistry

A unique approach to the study of organic chemistry This book leads the reader on a spirited journey of discovery through the structures, pathways, and reactions of organic compounds. While other books on organic chemistry cater mostly to premed students, this volume ties in the discussion to the entire discipline of chemistry. Throughout, it promotes critical thinking and encourages readers to question existing assumptions instead of focusing solely on applications. Divided into three major sections titled Background, Middleground, and Foreground, Foundations of Organic Chemistry takes a novel approach to the organization of the material. It discusses spectroscopy, thermodynamics, andkinetics upfront, and provides an easy-to-use presentation of the structural information about compounds and organic families in the middle section. A number of leading-edge topics are then introduced in the final section. Complete, thorough coverage includes: Clear explanations of the structures, bonding, and classes of organic compounds plus an entire chapter on spectroscopy Structural information that proceeds from hydrocarbons to alcohols to aldehydes and ketones to carboxylic acids Insight into carbohydrates and steroids, as well as amino acids, peptides and proteins, enzymes, and metabolic processes Chemistry and biosynthesis of alkaloids, including morphine, vinblastine, and caffeine The state of the art in areas related to the genetic code and DNA sequencing