The Essential Logic of Organic Chemistry: aka, How to Cure the Benzene Blues

The fundamental logic arguments of organic chemistry are emphasized in this book. Resonance effects, inductive effects and steric effects are used to explain most of the common types of organic reactions. Arrow pushing and mechanism are presented with each type of reaction, most of which utilize nucleophile and electrophile chemistry. Only two free radical reactions are presented (sp3 C-H substitution and HBr addition to alkenes). Limited examples are chosen for each 'typical' type of reaction covered in the year-long course, rather than comprehensive coverage, that often overwhelms beginning students. The book is only about a third the size of most current organic textbooks. It is also "self published" in order to keep the cost to a minimum. That means I am not only the author, I am also the editor. If you decide to use this book, you immediately become my co-editor. Let me know when you find any inevitable errors (thanks!). This book represents my 40 years of teaching organic chemistry and my hope that it makes organic chemistry 'understandable'. Enjoy the journey.