T. W. Graham Solomons and Craig B. Fryhle
Organic Chemistry, 7th Edition, John Wiley, 2000
Ch 6 - Substitution/Elimination
Ch 15 - Aromatic Substitution
Ch 18 - Carboxylic Acid Derivatives
Ch 20 - Amines
Solomons and Fryhle
What I liked about Solomon:
1. Color codes made it easy to recognize key elements
2. Book points out when to use included cd-rom for key topics
3. Seemed to integrate simple (ie. general chemistry) concepts,
helped tie things together
4. Good use of analogies to show important concepts
5. Good energy diagrams (better than B/F, easier to follow due
to accompanying explanations along the graph/
6. Chapter flow well, very tied together with margin notes
7. Text is interesting to read, not at all dry.
8. Shows many more space-filling diagrams than B/F.
9. List of key terms at end of chapter useful for focusing study.
10. "Learning Group" questions at end of chapter might
be helpful for future workshops.
11. Color coded nomenclature was a good reminder of "what's
what" in molecules.
12. Mechanism outlines more explanatory, easier to see key points
at first glance.
13. Analysis of IR, NMR, etc easier to understand the way it was
explained. also, the graphs themselves were better labeled.
Things I didn't like:
1. Overall summaries at end of chapters were kind of "skinny"
2. Not many problems given within chapter to work on as you were
reading
So far, of the three texts I have reviewed, this one is by far
my favorite. I really liked how the chapters were organized and
the excellent use of graphics. I could live with the short summaries,
maybe they would just take some getting used to (the list of key
terms does help). We'll see how the last two fare.
Solomons and Fryhle
LIKES: I like how they color code molecular structures and
their matching name. I like the real world examples and the "special
topics" interspersed among the chapters. Seems like the author
is trying to be more interactive with the students by use of the
graphics and tips and other things lining the margins. I love
the earthy cover! but I know that is just aesthestically pleasing.
DISLIKES: only thing i didn't like was the fact it had very few
example problems.
Solomons and Fryhle
LIKED: Space-filling diagrams, color coding of different atoms,
analogies to everyday "things," clear explanation of
terminology.
DIDN'T LIKE: Lack of chapter summary, ouline of reactions wasn't
as easy to use as Brown & Foote
Solomons and Fryhle
1. was clear and organized.
1. chapters were very long, and I felt lost sometimes in the middle.
Good organization of these subjects. Subtopics were thoroughly
discussed and explained individually, then compared collectively
at the end. This allows students to understand each subtopic first
so that they can then understand the differences among them.
Good E1/SN1, E2/SN2 comparisons.
Arom. Subst.:
Topics covered thoroughly and clearly (i.e., limitations to Friedel-Crafts
alkylation clearly labeled).
Diagrams of o-, m-, p- attacks clear.
Additional topics covered in comparison to Brown & Foote (i.e.,
Birch Reduction).
Solomons and Fryhle
Layout of the text:
This book clearly has the best layout. It not too compressed,
all reactions are well illustrated in different colors so that
you can tell which molecules are interacting. I also like the
boxes in which they give you some real world information about
the compound ( eg. chapter 18, p. 844 - chem of penicillins ).
One criticism to this book, the mechanisms are well presented
but sometimes it is "abreviated" and does not go step
by step. ( eg, chapter 20 p. 959 - Prep of aromatic amines through
Reductions of Nitro groups )
Clarity of presentationI liked this book's presentation because
it is not too wordy and presents the material in a very clear
way ( with exception of some mechanisms ). For example chapter
18, p. 847, it shows all reactions with alkyl chloroformate and
carbamate in such a way that just by looking at the reactions,
you'll have an idea what they are trying to say. Also, on chapter
20, p. 970 I like the way they list all important reactions. Just
a short look at the page can tell you all important aspects of
Sandmeyer Reaction. I think this section has been better presented
than in Brown & Foot.
Logical Organization
One thing that I really liked was having the "Acid and Base"
chapter covered in the very beginning of the book and VERY THOROUGHLY.
" Acids and Bases" was a relatively short chapter in
Brown & Foot. But this topic comes back very term to haunt
you eg. in elimination, conjugated unsaturated systems and even
in electrophilic, nucleophilic reactions.
Overall usefulness
I think this is a very good book. I like it because it is clear,
short and well presented. It does not put too many redundant informations
and keeps you focused on what is important.
Solomons and Fryhle
Likes: was clear and organized.
Dislikes: chapters were very long, and I felt lost sometimes in
the middle.
Solomons and Fryhle
This text definitely had less text, and seemed to follow more
of the traditional style of organic chemistry textbook where there
were ages and pages of reactions, some mechanisms, but not a lot
of explaining. It definitely had less text than Brown and Foote.
I reviewed Nucleophilic Substitution and Elimination Reactions
of Alkyl Halides and Aromatic Substitution. This text seemed to
assume that students would not need a lot of extra explanation
or help in understanding the reactions, and so in that sense it
seems more advanced. Also, this text did not really make any attempt
to stimulate the interest of the student. It did not try to relate
organic
chemistry to the real world. The layout of the text seemed logical,
but the clarity of the presentation was not as clear as the Jones
text, Wade, or Ege texts. On a positive note, I did like the way
they highlighted the reactive functional groups in the presented
reactions. I find that very helpful, in that it is easier to follow
what is changing. It also helps draw attention to what is important
in the reaction, without it seeming completely overwhelming. This
text did have good energy potential diagrams however. They were
more useful than those in Brown and Foote.
Solomons and Fryhle (Ch 6)
like:
excellent synthesis description
good chemistry in action section
good mechanisms and explanations
don't like:
no summary of reactions
no glossary
no summary of S and E reactions
Solomons and Fryhle (Ch 6)
Reasons and comments:
Very good layout of text plus index; information presented in
a logical order without being too randomized like Ege.
Graphics are clear;
Reactions have good color coding with clear arrows;
Side notes (in color) were very helpful; e.g. recommended section
reviews, reference to CD rom; basically, very clear;
Has analogy drawings, like a sand hour glass (rate limiting step)
and a mountain (transition states);
Mechanisms were presented with steps, including a brief description
under each reactant/ product formed;
Space filling orbitals with color; anything that is computer generated
is a major plus;
SN1 and SN2 was presented just like B&F; not too much, but
just enough; includes summary of SN1 vs SN2, Substitution vs Elimination
+;
B&F has better tables though, more would be recommended in
Solomon;
Solomon's functional group transformation section +;
Biological section was presented in a separate blue box, so it
won't "interfere" with the more important information;
Enough problems;
Kinetic and transformation state theory too in depth;
Study problems are included;
Soluble carbocation section was very interesting +;
Key terms and concepts +;
Overall, I enjoyed reading Solomon the most.
Solomons and Fryhle (Ch 6)
The following are things that I liked:
1) The text was very clearly written and the author made the topics
seem overall pretty simple.
2) The author gave great explanations of important terms, such
as nucleophilic substitution reactions.
3) There was a great use of colors with examples of reactions.
For example, the author used different colors to represent nucleophiles
and leaving groups. This makes things much easier to keep track
of. I am sure that this would have been very useful when we had
just started out!
4) The mechanism boxes were above and beyond anything I have every
seen. Not only were the mechanisms written clearly (#3), but the
author also included great explanations of each aspect of the
mechanism. It gave the reader the opportunity to both see and
read why things were happening.
5) The free energy diagrams were explained in very simple terms
with real life analogies. For example, with one diagram the analogy
of a mountain pass was used!
The following are things that I did not like:
1) Although the colors with the mechanisms were helpful, I feel
that some students may still find the text a little too busy.
Solomons and Fryhle (Ch 15)
Table 15.3, which discussed deactivating/activating and ortho/para/meta,
was too brief with no examples. This chapter had sample problems,
which were good, but it was too long. The problem with this chapter
was that it did not have enough tables to support what it was
trying to explain. This caused it to be unclear at times.
Solomons and Fryhle (Ch 15)
Reasons and comments:
Color coding throughout the text;
Electrostatic potential maps (computer generated) +;
Solomon includes more illustrations on ortho, meta, and para attack
plus reasons on stability; same counts for reactions of side chains
in alkyl benzenes;
Good introduction of halogenation, nitration, sulfonation, Friedel-Crafts
acylation and alkylation; in the most logical order too, like
in B&F;
There are general mechanisms to get the main and general idea;
Mechanisms are presented with steps and arrows (color coding),
even better than B&F;
Friedel-Crafts limitations and Clemmensen reduction section included;
Orientation of ortho, meta, and para is introduced after all of
the five reactions have been presented; good order;
Table 20.1 in B&F was better than table 15.2 in Solomon, regardless
of colors;
Side notes for reminders/ references +;
Light blue/gray boxes on separate pages regarding biological information;
Protecting and blocking groups section; although we went over
it in class, B&F did not clearly explain it;
Benzene section more in depth; benzylic radicals plus mechanism
shown (good review: initiation, termination, etc.);
More sample problems would be nice;
Inductive and resonance effect were stressed;
Synthetic application was a good review;
Meisenheimer complex was not introduced in Solomon;
Allylic/benzylic halides has its own section and it was very well
explained, unlike B&F;
Overall, B&F was more condensed, but I think that Solomon
contained more information including illustrations, which were
in color (very clear).
Solomons and Fryhle (Ch 15)
like:
good exercises
good chemistry in action section
good reaction mechanisms and explanations
don't like:
no summary of reactions
no glossary
Solomons and Fryhle (Ch 15)
The explanation for o,p directing groups and m directing groups
was much easier to understand.
Solomons and Fryhle (Ch 15)
The following are things that I did like:
1) The reactions were immediately laid out at the beginning in
order to prepare the reader for what was coming.
2) The same great things as mentioned above were a part of all
of the Solomon chapters.
The following are things that I did not like:
1) The section on nucleophilic substitution was quite small. Although
I did find that the mechanisms that were mentioned in our book
could be found in chapter 21 of Solomon's.
Solomons and Fryhle (Ch 18)
I like the fact that they have a summary of reactions at the
end of the chapter but for the way they are in your class I like
the summary of reactions that Brown & Foot offers.
Solomons and Fryhle (Ch 18)
This chapter was pretty good, besides the fact that it was
too long, and should have been divided into two chapters. I think
that there were not enough mechanisms, but the nomenclature discussion
was clear and better than Brown and Foote's.
Solomons and Fryhle (Ch18)
The following are things that I did like:
1) The nomenclature was kept very simple, which was helpful.
2) The author clearly laid out the various ways in which to carboxylic
acid on three full pages. I found this very helpful to have them
all together in one section.
3) The text was very organized. The author provided two sections
with each carboxylic acid derivative: synthesis of the derivative
and reactions that the derivative participate in.
The following are things that I did not like:
1. Nothing! I feel that this chapter was much better organized
than
Solomons and Fryhle (Ch 20)
I like the fact that this text summarizes the compounds that
you will use in the beginning of the chapter.
Solomons and Fryhle (Ch 20)
1. LAYOUT: This chapter was particularly heavy on the text
side and would have been vastly improved with more diagrams/illustrations
as well as white space on page 2. CLARITY: Good example chapter
for the clarification of terminology. The color-coding also contributed
to the clarity 3. LOGICAL ORGANIZATION: I like Solomon's approach
of starting the chapter with an intoduction to physical properties
and structure - this sets up a good framework for understanding
the new material presented in any chapter. I did not find one
text to be particularly more logical than the other 4. OVERALL
USEFULLNESS: This chapter placed a lot of focus on general information
relating to biochemistry. Very interesting but not oriented to
the discussion of many reactions. For our class this is not as
useful but makes a great informational supplement.
Solomons and Fryhle (20)
The following are things that I did like:
1) Again the same things as mentioned earlier also apply to this
chapter.
2) A section on chemotherapy was added to the chapter. This was
a great tie in with the discussion of sulfa drugs. This was especially
nice since many students who are taking organic chemistry are
pre-med!
3) The summary of the reactions at the end of the chapter was
very organized. Instead of just listing the reactions in the order
in which they appeared in the chapter, as Brown and Foote did,
Solomon clumped the reactions in the following manner:
Reactions of Amines
As bases
1.
2.
Eliminations
1.
2.
Preparations
1.
2.
The following are things that I did not like:
1) I think that it would be helpful if the author would have included
more example problems with solutions on the same page. This problems
provide a guide to the student as they are reading, letting them
know which concepts they are and are not understanding.
Solomons and Fryhle (Ch 6 and Ch 15)
(1) Layout of the text
In chapter 6, the use of different color type for the nucleophile
and leaving group seemed at first annoying, but I began to appreciate
its use. I like the fully boxed in look for the examples of mechanisms
and stereochemistry. The problems throughout the chapter are identified
by a red prompt in the margin and the sample problem(s) identified
by green background. This is helpful. Chapter 15 includes too
many subsections within the chapter. However, it has better distinction
between changing from one reaction to another (i.e. separate sections
for Friedel-Crafts alkylation and acylation.
(2) Clarity of the presentation
There are almost too many diagrams or reactions; however, they
prove helpful in presenting the material. I like the way all discussion
of solvents is presented as a subsection of the factors affecting
the rates of SN1 and SN2 reactions, as opposed to in several locations.
This seems most appropriate. There is a better discussion regarding
mechanisms within the box presenting it.
(3) Logical organization of the material
Chapter 6 seems to be organized in a very logical sequence to
aid in identifying key factors concerning substitution and elimination.
Chapter 15 was also organized in a logical fashion.
(4) Overall usefulness as a text for this course
The overall order of chapters in this book did not seem appropriate.
For example, IR within chapter 2 (too early) and not included
with chapter 9, which introduces NMR and mass spec. As in our
current text, aromatic compounds and reactions of such compounds
seem more appropriate after aldehydes, ketones, and carboxylic
acids, rather than before.
Solomons and Fryhle (Ch 6 and Ch 15)
This was a very well written, well-organized book. I found
the layout of text to be very effective in highlighting (by italicizing,
bolding, and coloring) important information. There were good
transitions between sections, with questions being posed just
before the end of the section which would be answered in the subsequent
section. Sections were also broken up well with diagrams, reaction
mechanisms, and tables. I liked the way reaction examples were
first given as a generic reaction and then specific reaction examples
immediately followed. Reaction mechanisms also had nice summary
statements for each step.
Solomons and Fryhle (Ch 6 and Ch 15)
Things I like: Not much! I was suprised as a friend of mine
used Solomons at OSU and liked it. That was some time ago, however.
There was some nice color coding for reactions, and use of ( I
can't think of the right term) Electronic Density models (the
bright colored ones).
Things I don't like: This is an amazingly awful text. The colors are bright and obnoxious, the tables and charts are quite inconsistent, and confusing with many differing styles all thrown together. There are too many symbols and sidebars in the margins which distract from the topic. The whole text seems to be a rehash of an older style of book with new information just thrown in on top. There are far too many bios and trivia pieces. The text was boring to read as well. In Chapter 15 the explanations for reactions ws poor at best, and there was now real summation of the o,p,m direction and activating / deactivating groups.
Solomons and Fryhle (Ch 6 and Ch 15)
Likes - The biosynthesis emphasis in the book was really nice
and I think that would be good for Pre-health students, for many
people it helps to be able to see the application in their particular
field of interest; I also thought that the color coded reactions
were nice. Throughout the book the nucleophiles in any reaction
are all the same color, electrophiles a different color, leaving
groups are another color, etc. It could be very helpful in getting
students to recognize those groups. Also the CD "Organic
View" from the description in the front of the book sounded
as if it may be helpful and there were references to the CD in
the text. This was my favorite of all the books.
Dislikes -
Solomons and Fryhle (Ch 6 and Ch 15)
A. The actual text was very well written. It was concise,
grammatically correct, and very easy to follow along with while
studying.
B. The graphics seemed scattered and almost pieced-milled together.
Electrostatic Potential Maps were (are) cool but seemed to lack
connectivity to the text and were not very well described when
used. This leads me to believe that they were used not necessarily
for instructive purposes but to add color to the page and to have
the obligatory "cool graphics" that modern science textbooks
need. Today's students, because we are inundated with special
effects constantly in our daily lives, are not very impressed
by gratuitous splashes of color and design. They must be purposeful.
Solomons and Fryhle (Ch 6 and Ch 20)
Like : The most thing I like this text book is I learn and
understand new material through its example. After of each chapter
is the summary of what I have learned so far.
Don't like: no comment.
Solomons and Fryhle (Ch 6 and Ch 20)
LIKE: the author doesn't make as many assumptions as far as
knowledge goes and so they explain substitution/elimination reactions
better. I like the very interesting real world applications they
have in the book which arouse your interest in the subjects. The
mechanisms are very specific. DISLIKE: they don't have solved
examples after sections to show you step by step pattern of how
to solve problems. They also don't have these after each section
and these are useful in checking your understanding. No key reactions
at end of chapter or any kind of useful
Solomons and Fryhle (Ch 6 and Ch 20)
This text had a better overall layout than Solomons and used
a variety of atomic graphical depictions to spice up the chapter
(orbitals, thermodynamic maps, and steric "clouds"),
but it was still inconsistent. Reaction mechanisms were clearly
outlined in these two chapters, although they usually lacked clear
titles that named the particular reaction. For example, I liked
that Brown and Foote labeled the SN2 reaction box "The SN2
Mechanism" so I could flip back to it easily without having
to hunt through all the boxes. I also did not like how some of
these mechanism boxes contained text that described actions and
influences on certain steps of the reaction while other boxes
did not. Again, a consistently laid out text is a useful tool
in guiding confused students through a whole slew of foreign information.
Where was the end of chapter summary though???? I felt like Solomons
did a good job of presenting these chapters in as simplified a
presentation as possible. I enjoyed his description of transition
state theory and reaction kinetics in Ch. 6, but was surprised
that he did not even mention the concept of PKBs in Ch. 20!! This
seems like an important term/concept to describe, even if PKAs
of conjugate acids are more widely utilized. As mentioned before,
the reaction boxes were sometimes inconsistently filled with or
without text, but nevertheless, I would consider them helpful
for last minute reviewing. I felt like this book was lacking in
its explanations of nucleophilicity trends and leaving groups.Unlike
Brown and Foote, Solomons did not cover carbocations, alkenes,
or alkyl halides before teaching substitution and elimination,
all of which are integral to learning this chapter. I know that
it would be possible to learn elimination reactions without knowing
everything about alkenes, but I think it was helpful to have a
basic understanding of how alkenes behave and react before studying
how to make them. In addition, it felt disjointed for the whole
E2 reaction not to be covered at once. In the amines chapter,
the sequence of topics seemed relatively clear and logical except
for the placement of spectroscopy at the very end instead of in
the physical properties section. In addition, the sections about
biological usefulness seemed awkwardly inserted into the chapter.
While these everyday applications are interesting and useful,
their current placement seemed to disrupt the already rocky flow
of this chapter.
I particularly liked the summary section at the end of Chapter
20 and how it grouped all the reduction and diatotization reactions
together and used specific examples to show how each specific
reagent reacted. In Brown and Foote, it was sometimes easy to
overlook certain reagents because they were often just written
in the text (i.e., "Oh, a nitrile can do that like CuBr?").
At the same time, I disliked the summary table because it did
not include any text that explained any special situations or
effects on each particular reaction. I guess this was left to
the more thorough explanation in the chapter. Unlike Brown and
Foote, Solomons' summary did not include an integrated narrative,
but instead just directed us back to the key terms and concepts
of sections of the chapter, which did not narrow it down any more
for us. There were also not clear tables for important values
like pKa and pKbit was helpful that our text created a huge table
with examples of molecules at each end of the spectrum. Finally,
this text had very few solved in chapter problems, which makes
it difficult to assess whether you are really understanding a
concept until the homework at the end of the chapter.
Solomons and Fryhle (Ch 15 and Ch 18)
Layout good structures and good graphs.
Presentation was clear and made good sense to me, as the brown
book
i didn't like the carboxylic deriv. chapter.
Organiztaion Very organized and liked the way the aromatics chap
came before the carboxylic. Derive. Chapter. was really organized
and the
reaction were very organzied
Overall was good and very well organized
Solomons and Fryhle (Ch 18 and Ch 20)
Nice review of carboxylic acid preparations
Good organization. Each type of derivative was discussed individually
and thoroughly. This allows students to understand how each derivative
works in different reactions rather that how reactions work with
different derivatives.
Good summary outline of reactions at end of chapter.
Amines:
Clear explanation of quaternary ammonium ion nomenclature (Brown
& Foote's discussion was a little lacking).
Good explanation of reaction between NaNO2 and HCl to make HONO
with nice reaction mechanisms.
I liked the way IR/NMR was discussed toward the end of the chapter
after you've had a chance to get well acquainted with amines
Solomons and Fryhle (Ch 18 and Ch 20)
I felt that the Solomons book didn't pay as much attention
to naming as B&F did and as I would have liked. They had few
paragraphs on naming in chapter 18. They put little hints in the
margins which I thought was helpful, such as 'just keep in mind
that you need to do this...' It kept you from getting overwhelmed
with all the info. I liked that when they presented new reactions
they had a title: General Rxn and showed R groups moving. Then
directly under that they had: Specific Rxn and they showed what
acutally was happening with the groups. They presented a rxn,
Hell-Volhard-Zelinski which B&F did not do. This book did
not describe anything in actual words though in the review.
Chapter 20 did a good job describing amine bascicity though. They
stated some important facts very clealy and that was nice. Didn't
through in any technical terms just, if it has this than it does
this and if it doesn't have it then it doesn't do it. This book
also brought in the Gabriel synthesis which B&F did not do,
it also included the Curtius Rearrangement.
Solomons and Fryhle (Ch 6) // Brown and Foote (Ch 8)
1. A. Because there are more labelings which make it easier to
understand a lot of time even without reading the actual text.
To me, to read the written part of the text then go look for what
they means wastes time and sometimes we don't read it right. It
is less wordy and that's what I like.
2. A. Because the written part "briefly" describes what's
going on and the rest depicts on actual reactions.
3. A. Logically clear because the reactions show in colors clearly
tell me how the reaction got carried through.
4. A. I think this text versus Browne and Foote is a better one.
Browne and Foot (Chapter 8)
1. C. Because I don't . The chapter seems wordier than Solomons
though not particularly clearer.
2. B. explanations are written though a lot of time not in actual
reaction, or graphs making it difficult to follow.
3. A-. Logical if ones reads it at least twice in addition to
lecture.
4. A-. I would say that the usefulness of both text varies in
little differences. However, solomon's text seems more useful
for me.
Solomons and Fryhle (Ch 6) // Brown and Foote (Ch 8)
Liked: The mechanisms are explained very well in Solomons. The
graphics are also very good for Solomons.
Didn't like: Solomons did have a table at the end of the chapter,
but it seemed too brief. Solomons had only one solved problem
provided at the very end of the chapter.
Solomons and Fryhle (Ch 6) // Brown and Foote (Ch 8)
Layout
I love the 3D "mountain" PEd in Soloman. Soloman's graphics
were more attractive than B&F. Soloman even included electronic
maps for carbocations--this was good for understanding their stabilities.
Soloman also used color-coded graphics and mechanisms. Brown and
Foote lacks the panache, but still has good graphics and shows
what needs to be shown. 10/10 (7/10)
Clarity
Soloman had terrific clarity. It was easy to understand sub rxns
and elim rxns. Mechanisms were clear and extensive explanation
of carbocation stability was beneficial. B&F did a better
job of summarizing the rxns and the end, and this gave a good
ending impression of determining which rxn would take place for
given reactants.
9/10 (8/10)
Organizaion
Both went in the most logical order: sn2, sn1, e2, e1. Neither
left us wondering where to get from pt. A to pt. B.
total: 90% soloman 73% jones
Soloman was beautiful, organized, and clear. Jones was not so
extravagant, but was still functional
Solomons and Fryhle (Ch 6) // Brown and Foote (Ch 8)
a) Things I liked:
The mechanisms that described the Nu: and leaving groups had a
brief description/explanation located in the box near the reaction
equation. This is nicer than B&F because the student doesn't
have to flip back and forth to follow the description and look
at the equation.
The SN2 mechanism is illustrated with MO colored clouds.
The orbital structure is shown e.g. in fig 6.8
There are color electrostatic potential maps to show delocalization
of the (+) charge for carbocations.
Fig 6.11 graphic shows steric effects in a SN2 reaction.
The Nu: and leaving groups were shown in different colors.
They gave a 2 page insert on BioChem applications, e.g. the methyl
group transfers to form choline.
b) things I didn't like:
There were problems only in the middle of sections compared to
Brown and Foote who give an example problem worked out and then
a problem. I like to see the examples worked out to verify quickly
my understanding. Having to go dig in the solutions manual detracts.
Solomons and Fryhle (Ch 15) // Brown and Foote (Ch 20)
This chapter I found to be not as strong for Solomons. The color
schemes I again found to be very helpful and made things easy
to see and locate. B&F likes to box things, which is good
but all the boxes start to look the same if there is more than
one significant part of a molecule. The general explanation of
things in this chapter was good in my opinion, but there was no
good table of to summarize the ortho & para vs meta, and activating
vs deactivating all in one place. That was a important part of
B&F. There is a table like this in Solomons but not real good.
Some information seems like it is not really needed here as well,
but put into the chapter anyway. Harder to use is the phrase that
comes to mind. Not a real close race here.
Solomons and Fryhle (Ch 15) // Brown and Foote (Ch 20)
a) Things I liked:
Use of electrostatic potential maps
CD for space filling models
Take Note! figures from text available to take notes on during
lecture Good presentation of reaction mechanisms On pg 678 They
give a good description of what greater reactivity of toluene
vs benzene means.
b) Things I didn't like:
Problems were given without examples that first showed how to
work out the solutions.
Solomons and Fryhle (Ch 15) // Brown and Foote (Ch 20)
1. A. A lot more of the mechanisms and demonstrations for all
the types of reactions are mentioned in this chapter. I feel that
this is extremely helpful when students have to remember how the
reactions work. It make sense and when things make sense, it's
easier to remember than just solid memorization. Unfortunately,
some students don't understand the graphic presentation (because
there are not presented) therefore, have to go with solid memorization,
which makes it hard to retain the informations needed to learn.
2. A. Because the reactions are demonstrated clearly through mechanism.
3. A. see number 1 above.
4. A. This chapter is very useful and is easily understand.
Browne and Foote
1. A. I found that this chapter (ch. 20) by B & F very clear.
Graphically well presented and easy to understand.
2. A-. Some of the reactions types are not carried through,
and there are no explanation for sulfonation. I was very frustrated
with only this reaction and couln't go on with the chapter while
we were learning it in
class.
3. A-. Yes, it is logical, though I would prefer Solomon's text.
4. A-. If there aren't anything else. This chapter overall is
useful. I understand almost all everything with the exception
of 1 or 2 items.
Solomons and Fryhle (Ch 15) // Brown and Foote (Ch 20)
The general outlines of the materials were great in both texts.
More materials and examples were discussed in Solomon than in
Brown & Foote, e.g. the Limitations of Friedel Crafts rxn.
There was only more like a hint about this in Brown & Foote.
Through the entire chapter, resonance forms of intermediates were
presented for all mechanisms and reactions in Brown & Foote
than in Solomon. But, in Solomons, presentation of resonance forms
started from the discussion of nucleophilic and electrophilic
disubstitution.
The color coding presentation of nucleophiles in Solomons was
a good idea, for easier visualization of what is going on in the
rxn and easier location substitution positions. Also, the summary
of rxns was more represented in Solomons than in Brown & Foote.
Solomons and Fryhle (Ch 15) // Brown and Foote (Ch 20)
Layout
I love the color coding for tracing directing groups in soloman.
This is better than B&F. The color is also easy on the eyes.
Love the chart in Brown on effects on further substitution (pg
811)
Clarity
Soloman delved more into side chains, and I liked this a lot.
both books gave a good understanding of resonance and its role
in directing effects. I did like the sample problems in both.
Org.
Both introduced the rxns in a learnable order before moving on
to directing effects.
Solomons and Fryhle (Ch 15) // Brown and Foote (Ch 20)
Liked: Graphics are good and helpful to follow in Solomons.
Didn't like: Compared to Brown and Foote, Solomons really lacks
in providing solved problems to practice during the chapter.
Solomons and Fryhle (Ch 18) // Brown and Foote (Ch 17)
Liked: Graphics are clear and easy to understand in Solomons.
Didn't like: Key rxns are not all grouped together in Solomons
like in Brown and Foote.
Solomons and Fryhle (Ch 18) // Brown and Foote (Ch 17)
Solomons uses bright colors to demonstrate reactions and mechanisms,
this makes it easy to follow. The summary of reactions at the
end of the chapter is excellent. It is organized by reaction of
functional groups, this makes it very easy to use. In my opinion
Solomon is the better book for this chapter.
Solomons and Fryhle (Ch 18) // Brown and Foote (Ch 17)
The Solomons book was not too bad, but I liked our current text
better. There are problems given to work out in the text, but
no solution, as in B&F there is a sample given to compare
with or get hints from. The coloring of this book is good, it
makes things very easy to follow in mechanisms and helps to locate
each part of the molecule you are trying to name. This was very
strong for Solomons. They also gave hints and encouragement in
the margins which was good to see. A general and then a specific
example of each mechanism was shown, and this I thought was an
easy way to introduce material and get the student to follow it
more clearly. The mechanisms were not offset as much from the
text, and that I didn't find helpful. Also, the molecules used
to explain things were sometimes very complex when a simple one
would do. Overall, somewhat close race, but B&F had more strong
points.
Solomons and Fryhle (Ch 18) // Brown and Foote (Ch 17)
Layout
Like the color coding again in soloman--especially when looking
at esters and anhydrides, to trace original parts. I like B&F's
comparisons of all derivatives in energy chart on page 661.
Clarity
B&F was better at showing interconversions between derivatives
and comparing them. Soloman gave a good understanding of nomenclature
through use of colorcoded wording--but there was not enough of
interconversions!
org.
Both had good organization, introducing each type of derivative,
then going on to explain each in detail.
Brown and Foote had a better understanding of interconversions
which made for a better chapter.
Solomons and Fryhle (Ch 18) // Brown and Foote (Ch 17)
a) Things I liked:
Nice IR spectrum
Nice graphical for reaction mechanisms with multi colors to set
off the rxn mech from the rest of the text.
Includes a list of key terms and concepts at the end of the chapter
and what sections of the text.
b) Things I didnt like
Problems are given in the middle of the text without first showing
a worked out example problem as is common in B&F.
On pg 823 in the discussion of acyl transfer reactions it refers
to "Special Topic D" regarding Acetyl-coenzymeA but
it does not say where this special section is located which led
to a time wasting diversion.
Solomons and Fryhle (Ch 18) // Brown and Foote (Ch 17)
The difference between both texts was very glaring. The text material
in Solomons is very reader friendly, and very attractive to the
eye. The graphics and the use of color codes were great. I would
feel like reading the book even when I am very tired. The materials
of each derivative were properly presented for easier understanding
and access for quick reference purposes than in Brown & Foote
The best thing that I liked about the presentation of the materials
in Solomons is the fact that if I decided to read about a specific
derivative, I could comfortably find it and also have the chance
to read all about it in one sub topic such as how to prepare it
and the various rxns it undergoes. The clarity and presentation
is great.
Solomons and Fryhle (Ch 20) // Brown and Foote (Ch 21)
The nomenclature of amines in B&F is explained very poorly
compared to Solomons. Solomons shows the mechanism of alkylation
of NH3 as well as reduction of amines. B&F on the other hand
did not show those mechanisms. It makes it easier to understand
what is going on if a mechanism is shown. In my opinion Solomon
is the better book for this chapter.
Solomons and Fryhle (Ch 20) // Brown and Foote (Ch 21)
a) Things I liked:
Colored electrostatic mesh maps e.g. Fig 20.2 showing the atom
and bond structure underneath the mesh.
Use of color to show where substituents come from and where they
go.
b) things I didn't like:
_ Problems in the middle of text without showing worked out examples
first.
Use of circle in the symbol for a benzene ring. I like the 3 double
bonds.
Not all problems have answers in the section at the end of the
book. _ Did not include end of chapter summarynor examples of
key reactions as done in B&F.
B&F I think the flow diagrams of fig 21.5 and example 21.8
could have had more explanation on the figure as to where the
different compounds went.
Solomons and Fryhle (Ch 20) // Brown and Foote (Ch 21)
Liked: The extra information given with the mechanisms in Solomons
is a plus. There is a summary of preparations and rxns of amines
in Solomons which is helpful.
Didn't like: There weren't any solved problems available in Solomons.
Solomons and Fryhle (Ch 20) // Brown and Foote (Ch 21)
Layout
Colorcoding didn't benefit us as much in this chapter of soloman.
Both texts gave adequate graphics and structural drawings.
8/10 (8/10)
Clarity
Nomenclature was way too short in soloman--didn't explain naming
of arylamines very well. Both were otherwise similar in topics:
synth and rxns. I just have a problem with amines in general,
so I don't know what would be clear enough for me.
5/10 (6/10)
Org.
I liked the direct add-ins of biological examples of amines in
soloman--this pertains to prehealth studies, which I am in 9/10
(8/10)
Total: 73% soloman, 73% b&f
Both texts were okay, but my understanding of amines had yet to
be really clear.
Solomons and Fryhle (Ch 6 and Ch 15) // Brown and Foote
(Ch 8 and Ch 20)
In the Subst./Elim. chapter rarely was there a problem to test
your knowledge after a key concept was introduced. However, in
the aromatic chapter there frequently had problems after key concepts.
I think the Brown & Foote text did a much better job testing
your knowledge before introducing new information. I prefered
Brown & Foote's summary of mechanisms because it seemed more
indepth and comprehensive. Overall, I prefered Brown & Foote,
it appeared to be a much more useful text.
Solomons and Fryhle (Ch 6 and Ch 18) // Brown and Foote
(Ch 8 and Ch 17)
Things I liked about Solomons:
This text was full of color coded graphics that were easy to identify
the mechanisms occurring in the reactions studied. In comparison
to B&F the figures and drawings were much more useful in learning
due to the clarity of the images.
Things I didnot like about Solomon:
The written text was not inferior to B&F yet it was not superior
either.
The written text was sometimes ambiguous and a little hard to
understand.
Solomons and Fryhle (Ch 15 and Ch 20) // Brown and Foote
(Ch 20 and Ch 21)
Things I liked about Solomons:
Again in this review the most impressive part of the text was
the clearly defined graphics that were ideal in understanding
the three dimensionalaspects of the way organic molecules interact.
Things I didn't like about Solomons:
The written text was often hard to follow and the organization
seemed scattered. I prefered the writing style of B&F significantly
more so than that of Solomons.
Solomons and Fryhle (Ch 18 and Ch 20) // Brown and Foote
(Ch 17 and Ch 21)
The Solomons text used more color to highlight the mechanisms
but I actually found this to be more distracting than helpful.
The Brown & Foote text did a much better job of testing your
knowledge after key concepts were introduced. Both texts did a
good job of providing additional information to make the subject
more interesting. I preferred Brown & Foote use of schematic
diagram to illustrate the seperation and purification of amines.
I did think that Solomons section on nomenclature was more concise
and easier to understand. Overall, I preferred Brown & Foote's
text.