"This book is a joy to read (and re-read)."
James A. Moore
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
"This very interesting book is going to find a unique place in the repertoire of organic textbooks."
James Canary
New York University
"Simply put, this book is a gem. The chemistry described
is rigorous but the warm, humorous, and conversational writing style makes the book a joy to read."
Dasan M. Thamattoor
Colby College
"I have never come across such an enticing mix of stories of discovery with basic chemistry!"
Roald Hoffmann
Cornell University
"This is a highly original book filling an obvious need."
Herbert Morawetz
Polytechnic University
"This book is a delightful contribution to the field of organic chemistry that offers a useful pedagogical approach."
Pedro Cintas, Facultad de Ciencias-UEX Badajoz, Spain
"What an excellent read! The book, intended for organic chemistry students, is in the style of the first books on organic chemistry by Isaac Asimov which impressed me as a teenager in the 1960?s. It makes the discovery of new chemicals and processes seem exciting, and emphasises the importance of academic understanding in the development of the chemical industry. (...) The book is full of interesting anecdotes, often related to serendiptious discoveries. But, as Louis Pasteur said, "Chance favours the prepared mind". (...) One interesting story on the cracking of petroleum and the subsequent build up of coke deposits relates to a father who was so obsessed with the subject that he called his son Carbon; Carbon then named his own daughters Methyl and Ethyl. In my opinion, any father who saddles his children with such names might be regarded es a well known arsenic heterocycle!
In conclusion, all organic chemists should read this book for pleasure, not just to learn new knowledge. I hope the authors can be persuaded to write a second volume which covers the fine chemicals industry."
Organic Process Research & Development, Dr. Trevor Laird
"This is a unique, fascinating book that bridges organic chemistry principles with chemical industrial applications. The story telling style make the reading/learning experience extremely enjoyable."
Qiao-Sheng Hu, College of Staten Island, City University of New York
"This is a great book to have on one's shelf. It's interesting to read and useful for teaching at a variety of levels."Chemical & Engineering News
"They (authors) also provide insight on how the well-being of corporate enterprise can, through a deep understanding of chemistry, complement the well-being of society and the global environment."
C & EN, July 19, 2004
"...a well-structured, easy-to-read introduction to the principles of organic chemistry with a new didactic approach ... offers valuable and new ideas..."
Chimie Nouvelle, Vol.23, No.88, March 2005
"As a supplement to teaching, this book is excellent. ... In any case, don't wait, Green and Wittcoff is a great book to have on the shelf now."
Angewandte Chemie I.E., Vol.43/No.47, 2004
Nylon, plexiglas, epoxy resin, and Elmer's glue; dynamite, rubber tires, and spandex. These are a few among the multitude of industrial products produced using the principles of organic chemistry, principles that are often taught to students without reference to the commercial and practical importance of the subject. The marvelous theoretical principles on which organic chemistry is based are therefore often not fully appreciated by students of this subject. Organic chemistry can appear dry, meaningless, and seemingly irrelevant.
In this textbook, designed to be used in conjunction with classic texts of organic chemistry at the undergraduate level, or standing alone for more advanced students, two experts, M. M. Green and H. A. Wittcoff bring the principles and the practice together. Written for students, and also giving much information that could be used to enhance teaching of the subject, the book, presented in ten concise chapters, combines important industrial processes with the principles of organic chemistry. The result is a source of otherwise barely accessible information. In addition, personal anecdotes from the authors' vast experience make this a fascinating and indispensable textbook for everyone wishing to enhance the appreciation of this subject.
I have never come across such an enticing mix of stories of discovery with basic chemistry! [...] With wit and enthusiasm, with a feeling for the molecule (and what makes polymers grow and tangle), Green and Wittcoff pull us into the exciting world of the interplay of organic chemistry principles and industrial practice. Roald Hoffmann, Cornell University
[...] Furthermore, the interesting stories and anecdotes liberally sprinkled throughout the book are sure to enliven any classroom discussion. Indeed, as a faculty in a small liberal arts college, I am most impressed by the book's pedagogical value in illustrating the practical side of organic chemistry.
Dasan M. Thamattoor, Colby College