Arrow-Pushing in Organic Chemistry: An Easy Approach to Understanding Reaction Mechanisms [Paperback]

Organic chemistry is required coursework for degrees in life, food, and medical sciences.? To help the students discouraged by the belief that this topic cannot be mastered without significant memorization, Arrow Pushing in Organic Chemistry serves as a handy supplement for understanding the subject.

??? Includes new chapters, an expanded index, and additional problem sets complete with detailed solutions
?? ?Focuses on understanding the mechanics and logic of organic reaction mechanisms
?? ?Introduces ionic and non-ionic reactive species and reaction mechanisms
?? ?Teaches strategies to predict reactive species, sites of reactions, and reaction products
?? ?Provides a solid foundation upon which organic chemistry students can advance with confidence

PREFACE xi

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS xiii

ABOUT THE AUTHOR xv

1. Introduction 1

1.1 Definition of Arrow-Pushing 1

1.2 Functional Groups 5

1.3 Nucleophiles and Leaving Groups 7

1.4 Summary 8

Problems 9

2. Free Radicals 19

2.1 What Are Free Radicals? 19

2.2 How Are Free Radicals Formed? 21

2.2.1 Free Radical Initiators 22

2.2.2 Electron Transfer 23

2.3 Free Radical Stability 23

2.4 What Types of Reactions Involve Free Radicals? 25

2.4.1 Halogenation Reactions 26

2.4.2 Polymerization Reactions 28

2.4.3 Oxidation Reactions 30

2.5 Summary 31

Problems 32

3. Acids 37

3.1 What Are Acids? 37

3.2 What Is Resonance? 38

3.3 How Is Acidity Measured? 41