Organic chemistry is the chemistry of compounds of carbon. The ability of carbon to link together to form long chain molecules and ring compounds as well as bonding with many other elements has led to a vast array of organic compounds. These compounds are central to life, forming the basis for
organic molecules such as nucleic acids, proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids.
In this Very Short Introduction Graham Patrick covers the whole range of organic compounds and their roles. Beginning with the structures and properties of the basic groups of organic compounds, he goes on to
consider organic compounds in the areas of pharmaceuticals, polymers, food and drink, petrochemicals, and nanotechnology. He looks at how new materials, in particular the single layer form of carbon called graphene, are opening up exciting new possibilities for applications, and discusses the
particular challenges of working with carbon compounds, many of which are colourless. Patrick also discusses techniques used in the field.
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1. Introduction
2. The fundamentals
3. The synthesis and analysis of organic compounds
4. The chemistry of life
5. Pharmaceuticals and medicinal chemistry
6. Pesticides
7. The chemistry of the senses
8. Polymers, plastics and textiles
9.
Nanochemistry
References
Further Reading
Index
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Graham Patrick is a lecturer in Organic Chemistry and Medicinal Chemistry at the University of the West of Scotland. He is the author of An Introduction to Medicinal Chemistry (OUP, 1995), now in its 5th edition, and An Introduction to Drug Synthesis (OUP, 2015).
