Organic Chemistry

A-level chemistry is VERY hard, there is absolutely no doubt about it. A good textbook is a necessity, but unfortunately finding one isn't as easy as it sounds. On the chemistry being hard note, a funny series of events happened on my first day of A-levels (Seems so long ago now). First we headed to our physics lesson, only to hear the teacher declaring that Physics was by far the hardest lesson. Next it was off to maths, and a ranting teacher telling us that maths was definitely the hardest A-level, he predicted half of us would leave before the end of the first week. Next stop Chemistry, hoping to hear that at least one of my subjects might be a little bit ...  Read the complete review

An invaluble book for anyone studying organic chemistry. Organic synthesis is ever changing with new developments in research, but this book is a necessity as its contains many methods of synthesis of many different compounds. The book mainly encompasses the basics, stuff that hasn't changed, nor ever will do, as well as exploring more recent developments within organic synthesis. It is also useful to read as a recap on organic synthesis if you have been out of the field for some time. Definitely useful on those long nights spent writing up organic chemistry practicals! ISBN 0-582-03375-6 Lou ...  Read the complete review

This is a final year textbook which is an absolute must if you intend to progress to a synthetic PhD. Although organic synthesis moves quickly, my copy of Smith’s book still covers the majority of useful synthetic transformations despite seven years having past since the book was printed. This enormous book is well set out into sensible chapters and has several indices, for example “Named Reactions” and “Subject” making reactions easy to find. For lab synthesis, Smith compliments Vogel’s book well as it deals with more complex and unusual reactions. Unlike Vogel however, a trip to the library is required to follow a ...  Read the complete review

Chains and Rings - Cambrige modular board . Price : 8 pounds This book has to be the best choice for A level organic chemistry . Even if you are not doing your chemisrty through Cambridge board ( i didn't ) still buy the book . It is excellent I hated organic chemistry and I couldn't understand it at all , I even had private tutor lessons . He recommended I buy the book , and I was so glad that I did . It got me through A level chemistry and I passed . The book is really well set out with easy to read chapters with practice questions and answers and for 8 pounds you really can't go wrong . So if your having problems with your free ...  Read the complete review

Organic Chemistry by Volhardt and Schore is a solid textbook. It is well-laid out and is a fairly reliable source of information . Published by the lesser-known Freeman publisher, this book offers a structured approach to organic chemistry by segregating the topics according to functional groups of the molecules. It gives that basis of the theory, and also has interesting little boxes where the theory or chemicals that you have just learnt about are shown in their industrial or real-life uses. Questions are given throughout each of the chapters, and answers are available in the back of the book to test your knowledge of the subject. ...  Read the complete review