The search for life in the solar system and beyond has to date been governed by a model based on what we know about life on Earth (terran life). Most of NASA's mission planning is focused on locations where liquid water is possible and emphasizes searches for structures that resemble cells in terran organisms. It is possible, however, that life exists that is based on chemical reactions that do not involve carbon compounds, that occurs in solvents other than water, or that involves oxidation-reduction reactions without oxygen gas. To assist NASA incorporate this possibility in its efforts to search for life, the NRC was asked to carry out a study to evaluate whether nonstandard biochemistry might support life in solar system and conceivable extrasolar environments, and to define areas to guide research in this area. This book presents an exploration of a limited set of hypothetical chemistries of life, a review of current knowledge concerning key questions or hypotheses about nonterran life, and suggestions for future research.

The most complete resource in functional group chemistry Patai's Chemistry of Functional Groups is one of chemistry's landmark book series in organic chemistry. An indispensible resource for the organic chemist, this is the most comprehensive reference available in functional group chemistry. Founded in 1964 by the late Professor Saul Patai, the aim of Patai's Chemistry of Functional Groups is to cover all the aspects of the chemistry of an important functional group in each volume, with the emphasis not only on the functional group but on the whole molecule.

This textbook approaches organic chemistry from the ground up. It focuses on the reactions of organic molecules - showing why they are reactive, what the mechanisms of the reactions are and how surroundings may alter the reactivity.

This book is a hands-on guide for the organic chemist. Focusing on the most reliable and useful reactions, the chapter authors provide the information necessary for a chemist to strategically plan a synthesis, as well as repeat the procedures in the laboratory. Consolidates all the key advances/concepts in one book, covering the most important reactions in organic chemistry, including substitutions, additions, eliminations, rearrangements, oxidations, reductions Highlights the most important reactions, addressing basic principles, advantages/disadvantages of the methodology, mechanism, and techniques for achieving laboratory success Features new content on recent advances in CH activation, photoredox and electrochemistry, continuous chemistry, and application of biocatalysis in synthesis Revamps chapters to include new and additional examples of chemistry that have been demonstrated at a practical scale

This author's second volume introduces basic principles of interpreting infrared spectral data, teaching its readers to make sense of the data coming from an infrared spectrometer. Contents include spectra and diagnostic bands for the more common functional groups as well as chapters on polyester spectra and interpretation aids. Discussions include: Science of infrared interpretation Light and molecular vibrations How and why molecules absorb infrared radiation Peak heights, intensities, and widths Hydrocarbons, carbonyl groups, and molecules with C-N bonds Polymers and inorganic molecules The use of atlases, library searching, spectral subtraction, and the Internet in augmenting interpretation Each chapter presents an introduction to the nomenclature and structure of a specific functional group and proceeds with the important diagnostic bands for each group. Infrared Spectral Interpretation serves both novices and experienced practitioners in this field. The author maintains a website and blog with supplemental material. His training course schedule is also available online.