Electronic Mechanisms of Organic Reactions [antikvár]

Preface This book represents an attempt to systematize organic chemistry through the use of electronic mechanisms. It is not intended in any way to take the place of the several excellent books now available in the field of theoretical organic chemistry, but rather it must depend on these books for its physical background. The rapid progress of theoretical chemistry has done much to clarify the complexities of organic chemistry, but unfortunately little effort has been made to present these new developments to students in organic chemistry. It is true that students at the undergraduate level rarely have sufficient background to grasp the real significance of the contributions made to organic chemistry by kinetic studies, the quantum-mechanical concept of resonance, etc. It is possible, however, to adapt these principles to undergraduate teaching, thereby placing the emphasis on why reactions occur rather than on the mere fact that they do occur. This emphasis not only introduces a continuity of thinking into the subject of organic chemistry but stimulates the student to think for himself. The notes on which this book is based were developed over a period of several years. Much of the material has been presented to undergraduate and graduate students and several revisions have been made as a result of these experiences. When presented to undergraduates it has been found convenient to incorporate this work with the usual descriptive material included in courses in organic chemistry. To the advanced students in organic chemistry the notes have served two useful purposes: (1) reviewed fundamental organic chemistry through the use of electronic mechanisms; and (2) stimulated an interest in the modern approach to the study of organic reactions. It is recognized that with the accumulation of more data many changes in current electronic mechanisms will be necessary. It is hoped that future revisions of this volume will keep it abreast of the times through the inclusion of new material as it becomes available. The author is grateful for the opportunity to thank Dr. T. R. Geissman of the University of California, Los Angeles, California, for his valuable criticisms of the original manuscript.