This approach to the general problem of organic reactivity combines classical organic chemistry with new theoretical ideas developed by the author. The text contains a non-mathematical description of the curve crossing model, expressed in the language of qualitative valence bond theory.

This approach to the general problem of organic reactivity combines classical organic chemistry with new theoretical ideas developed by the author. The text contains a non-mathematical description of the curve crossing model, expressed in the language of qualitative valence bond theory.

Completely revised and updated, this 2nd Edition of Reactivity and Mechanism in Organic Chemistry is an ideal introduction to the quantitative description of organic reactivity for students in undergraduate and masters chemistry programmes. The book proceeds logically from qualitative molecular orbital theory as a tool for the description of bonding phenomena to combining this with thermochemical data to rationalise concepts such as molecular strain and hyperconjugation. Next, transition state theory, for examining organic reactivity phenomena, is introduced and its relation to energy surfaces and simple rate equations is discussed. On this basis more specific reactivity concepts commonly used in organic chemistry are explored such as the Bell–Evans–Polanyi principle, Marcus theory, HSAB principle, Hammett correlations, the Mayr–Patz equation, and FMO theory. How these reactivity models are applied is demonstrated for pericyclic reactions and selected rearrangement reactions involving transient intermediates such as radicals, diradicals, or carbocations, and for reactions involving classical electrophile/nucleophile combinations.

People who attended the NATO Advanced Study Institute (ASI) entitled NEW THEORETICAL CONCEPTS FOR UNDERSTANDING ORGANIC REAC TIONS held at Sant Feliu de Gufxols on the Costa Brava of Spain had a unique experience. They have seen the evolution of the field from qualitative arguments through the generation of Potential Energy Surfaces (PES) to the use of PES in molecular dynamics. The excellent lectures that were dedicated to the various aspects of Potential Energy Surfaces clearly revealed a colossal amount of ma terial that represents our current understanding of the overall problem. It is our hope that the present volume will recreate the excitement in the readers that we all experienced during the meeting in Spain. One can say, without too much exaggeration, that chemistry has become and exercise on potential energy surfaces (PES). Structural (position of the energy minima), spectroscopic (vicinity around the minima), and reactivity (reaction path along the surface) properties may be determined from the analysis of PES. New theoretical tools, together with recent developments in computer technology and programming, have allowed to obtain a better knowledge of these surfaces, and to extract further chemical information from them, so new horizons have been added to Theoretical Organic Chemistry.

Theoretical Aspects of Chemical Reactivity provides a broad overview of recent theoretical and computational advancements in the field of chemical reactivity. Contributions have been made by a number of leaders in the field covering theoretical developments to applications in molecular systems and clusters. With an increase in the use of reactivity descriptors, and fundamental theoretical aspects becoming more challenging, this volume serves as an interesting overview where traditional concepts are revisited and explored from new viewpoints, and new varieties of reactivity descriptors are proposed. Includes applications in the frontiers of reactivity principles, and introduces dynamic and statistical viewpoints to chemical reactivity and challenging traditional concepts such as aromaticity. * Written by specialists in the field of chemical reactivity* An authoritative overview of the research and progress * An essential reference material for students

Provides the background, tools, and models required to understand organic synthesis and plan chemical reactions more efficiently Knowledge of physical chemistry is essential for achieving successful chemical reactions in organic chemistry. Chemists must be competent in a range of areas to understand organic synthesis. Organic Chemistry provides the methods, models, and tools necessary to fully comprehend organic reactions. Written by two internationally recognized experts in the field, this much-needed textbook fills a gap in current literature on physical organic chemistry. Rigorous yet straightforward chapters first examine chemical equilibria, thermodynamics, reaction rates and mechanisms, and molecular orbital theory, providing readers with a strong foundation in physical organic chemistry. Subsequent chapters demonstrate various reactions involving organic, organometallic, and biochemical reactants and catalysts. Throughout the text, numerous questions and exercises, over 800 in total, help readers strengthen their comprehension of the subject and highlight key points of learning. The companion Organic Chemistry Workbook contains complete references and answers to every question in this text. A much-needed resource for students and working chemists alike, this text: -Presents models that establish if a reaction is possible, estimate how long it will take, and determine its properties -Describes reactions with broad practical value in synthesis and biology, such as C-C-coupling reactions, pericyclic reactions, and catalytic reactions -Enables readers to plan chemical reactions more efficiently -Features clear illustrations, figures, and tables -With a Foreword by Nobel Prize Laureate Robert H. Grubbs Organic Chemistry: Theory, Reactivity, and Mechanisms in Modern Synthesis is an ideal textbook for students and instructors of chemistry, and a valuable work of reference for organic chemists, physical chemists, and chemical engineers.