We are at the start of a revolution in molecular science that
will more profoundly change our lives, our culture, indeed, our world than did
the Industrial Revolution a century ago. From the human genome project, the
largest natural product characterization effort ever, to the search for the
molecular signatures of life on other planets, this molecular revolution is
creating an ever-expanding view of ourselves and our universe.
At the core of this revolution is chemistry, the quintessential
molecular science within which is organic chemistry, a discipline that will
surely be the source of many of the major advances in chemistry, biology,
medicine, materials science, and environmental science in the 21st century.
In his text on organic chemistry, the translation of which has
been impressively led by Professors Harmata and Glaser, Professor Bruckner has
masterfully addressed the core concepts of the discipline, providing a rich
tapestry of information and insight. The student of contemporary organic
chemistry will be well-served by the depth and quality of this treatment. The
underlying philosophy of this text is that much of chemistry can be understood
in terms of structure, which in turn influences reactivity, ultimately defining
the higher order activities of synthesis.Whether one seeks to understand nature
or to create the new materials and medicines of the future, a key starting point
is thus understanding structure and mechanism. Professor Bruckner addresses the
interrelationship of structure and mechanism with the rich insight of one
schooled at the interface of physical organic chemistry and synthesis.
His treatment is impressively rigorous, integrated, and broad.
He achieves breadth through the careful selection of representative and
fundamental reactive intermediates and reactions. Rigor and integration derive
from his disciplined adherence to structure, orbital theory, and mechanism. The
result is a powerfully coherent treatment that enables the student to address
the rich subject matter at hand and importantly by analogy the far-ranging
aspects of the field that lie beyond the scope of the book. Extending from his
treatment of radicals, nucleophiles, carbenium ions, and organometallic agents
to concerted reactions and redox chemistry, Bruckner provides an analysis that
effectively merges theory and mechanism with examples and applications. His
selection of examples is superb and is further enhanced by the contemporary
references to the literature.
The text provides clarity that is essential for facilitating
the educational process. This is a wonderfully rich treatment of organic
chemistry that will be a great value to students at any level. Education should
enable and empower. This text does both, providing the student with the
insights and tools needed to address the tremendous challenges and
opportunities in the field. Congratulations to Professors Bruckner, Harmata, and
Glaser for providing such a rich and clear path for those embarking on an understanding
of the richly rewarding field of organic chemistry.
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