Chemistry is the science of substances (today we would say molecules) and their transformations. Central to this science is the complexity of shape and function of its typical representatives. There lies, no longer dependent on its vitalistic antecedents, the rich realm of molecular possibility called organic chemistry. In this century we have learned how to determine the three-dimensional structure of molecules. Now chemistry as whole, and organic chemistry in particular, is poised to move to the exploration of its dynamic dimension, the busy business of transformations or reactions. Oh, it has been done all along, for what else is synthesis? What I mean is that the theoretical framework accom panying organic chemistry, long and fruitfully laboring on a quantum chemical understanding of structure, is now making the first tentative motions toward building an organic theory of reactivity. The Minkin, Simkin, Minyaev book takes us in that direction. It incorporates the lessons of frontier orbital theory and of Hartree-Fock SCF calculations; what chemical physicists have learned about trajectory calculations of selected reactions, and a simplified treatment of all-important solvent effects. It is written by professional, accomplished organic chemists for other organic chemists; it is consistently even-toned in its presentation of contending approaches. And very much up to date. That this contemporary work should emerge from a regional university in a country in which science has been highly centralized and organic chemistry not very modern, invites reflection.

Chemistry is the science of substances (today we would say molecules) and their transformations. Central to this science is the complexity of shape and function of its typical representatives. There lies, no longer dependent on its vitalistic antecedents, the rich realm of molecular possibility called organic chemistry. In this century we have learned how to determine the three-dimensional structure of molecules. Now chemistry as whole, and organic chemistry in particular, is poised to move to the exploration of its dynamic dimension, the busy business of transformations or reactions. Oh, it has been done all along, for what else is synthesis? What I mean is that the theoretical framework accom panying organic chemistry, long and fruitfully laboring on a quantum chemical understanding of structure, is now making the first tentative motions toward building an organic theory of reactivity. The Minkin, Simkin, Minyaev book takes us in that direction. It incorporates the lessons of frontier orbital theory and of Hartree-Fock SCF calculations; what chemical physicists have learned about trajectory calculations of selected reactions, and a simplified treatment of all-important solvent effects. It is written by professional, accomplished organic chemists for other organic chemists; it is consistently even-toned in its presentation of contending approaches. And very much up to date. That this contemporary work should emerge from a regional university in a country in which science has been highly centralized and organic chemistry not very modern, invites reflection.

This volume is devoted to the various aspects of theoretical organic chemistry. In the nineteenth century, organic chemistry was primarily an experimental, empirical science. Throughout the twentieth century, the emphasis has been continually shifting to a more theoretical approach. Today, theoretical organic chemistry is a distinct area of research, with strong links to theoretical physical chemistry, quantum chemistry, computational chemistry, and physical organic chemistry.The objective in this volume has been to provide a cross-section of a number of interesting topics in theoretical organic chemistry, starting with a detailed account of the historical development of this discipline and including topics devoted to quantum chemistry, physical properties of organic compounds, their reactivity, their biological activity, and their excited-state properties.

This collection of examples of the application of quantum chemical methods in the study of various chemical problems (main ly in organic chemistry) arose from an arrangement of the ma terials used by the first of the authors in his lectures on organic quantum chemistry and chemical constitution, delivered since 1959 at the Science Department of the Charles University, as well as in courses of quantum chemistry and, finally, in his lectures on the fundamentals of quantum chemistry held in the years 1965-1967 at the universities of Wiirzburg, Groningen, and Giessen, and at the Technical University of Darmstadt. This collection is to be regarded as a supplement to exist ing textbooks on organic quantum chemistry. Whereas the situa tion is satisfactory as far as the number and the standard of text books and monographs in this field are concerned, this cannot be 1 4 said of the collections of examples. Although in some books - a certain number of examples are presented, we believe, in view of the great importance of numerical calculations, that a separate publication of examples would be useful. A similar subject has 5 been dealt with in the recently published book by A. and 0. Julg and in the first part of a trilogy to be published by Heilbronner 6 and Bock.

The Second Edition demonstrates how computational chemistry continues to shed new light on organic chemistry The Second Edition of author Steven Bachrach’s highly acclaimed Computational Organic Chemistry reflects the tremendous advances in computational methods since the publication of the First Edition, explaining how these advances have shaped our current understanding of organic chemistry. Readers familiar with the First Edition will discover new and revised material in all chapters, including new case studies and examples. There’s also a new chapter dedicated to computational enzymology that demonstrates how principles of quantum mechanics applied to organic reactions can be extended to biological systems. Computational Organic Chemistry covers a broad range of problems and challenges in organic chemistry where computational chemistry has played a significant role in developing new theories or where it has provided additional evidence to support experimentally derived insights. Readers do not have to be experts in quantum mechanics. The first chapter of the book introduces all of the major theoretical concepts and definitions of quantum mechanics followed by a chapter dedicated to computed spectral properties and structure identification. Next, the book covers: Fundamentals of organic chemistry Pericyclic reactions Diradicals and carbenes Organic reactions of anions Solution-phase organic chemistry Organic reaction dynamics The final chapter offers new computational approaches to understand enzymes. The book features interviews with preeminent computational chemists, underscoring the role of collaboration in developing new science. Three of these interviews are new to this edition. Readers interested in exploring individual topics in greater depth should turn to the book’s ancillary website www.comporgchem.com, which offers updates and supporting information. Plus, every cited article that is available in electronic form is listed with a link to the article.

A novel proposal for teaching organic chemistry based on a broader and simplified use of quantum chemistry theories and notions of some statistical thermodynamic concepts aiming to enrich the learning process of the organic molecular properties and organic reactions. A detailed physical chemistry approach to teach organic chemistry for undergraduate students is the main aim of this book. A secondary objective is to familiarize undergraduate students with computational chemistry since most of illustrations of optimized geometries (plus some topological graphs) and information is from quantum chemistry outputs which will also enable students to obtain a deeper understanding of organic chemistry.

The role of specific molecular interactions in influencing the solubility behavior of organic compounds are examined, particularly the role of hydrogen bonding. Shows how specific interactions can be used to elicit preferential solubility. Emphasizes interactions occurring in environments of low polarity and explains and predicts solubility phenomena in self-associated solvents. Also considers the kinetics of diffusion and dissolution.

Photochemistry of Organic Compounds: From Concepts to Practice provides a hands-on guide demonstrating the underlying principles of photochemistry and, by reference to a range of organic reaction types, its effective use in the synthesis of new organic compounds and in various applications. The book presents a complete and methodical approach to the topic, Working from basic principles, discussing key techniques and studies of reactive intermediates, and illustrating synthetic photochemical procedures. Incorporating special topics and case studies covering various applications of photochemistry in chemistry, environmental sciences, biochemistry, physics, medicine, and industry. Providing extensive references to the original literature and to review articles. Concluding with a chapter on retrosynthetic photochemistry, listing key reactions to aid the reader in designing their own synthetic pathways. This book will be a valuable source of information and inspiration for postgraduates as well as professionals from a wide range of chemical and natural sciences.