Stereochemistry is defined as the study of the three-dimensional structure of molecules. Stereochemical considerations are important in both isomerism and studies of the mechanisms of chemical reactions. Implicit in a mechanism is the stereochemistry of the reaction: in other words, the relative three-dimensional orientation of the reacting particles at any time in the reaction. Concentrating on organic chemistry, early chapters deal mainly with definitions of terms such as chirality, enantiomers, diastereoisomers and racemization, complete with suitable examples to illustrate key concepts. Use of a polarimeter and associated definitions are described, together with two different conventions D, L and R, S for specification of configuration. Chirality without a stereogenic centre, in molecules such as allenes for example, is also covered. The distinction between conformation and configuration is developed to include assignment of configurations to di-substituted cyclohexanes and to the decalins. The conventions E, Z and Re, Si are introduced for sp2 hybridized carbons as found in alkenes and carbonyl compounds. Diastereotopic groups are discussed. Aspects of stereochemistry are explored through consideration of addition reactions to alkenes and carbonyl groups, nucleophilic substitution, and reactions (and interactions) involved in the resolution of racemic mixtures. Additional material is available on the website at www.rsc.org/tct Ideal for the needs of undergraduate chemistry students, Tutorial Chemistry Texts is a major series consisting of short, single topic or modular texts concentrating on the fundamental areas of chemistry taught in undergraduate science courses. Each book provides a concise account of the basic principles underlying a given subject, embodying an independent-learning philosophy and including worked examples.

This book provides an up-to-date and comprehensive account of aromatic chemistry. A series of chapters describes the synthesis and reactions of the major functional derivatives of benzene and the more common polycyclic systems. The concept of aromaticity and the mechanism of aromatic substitution are discussed, as is the use of metals in the synthesis of aromatic compounds. Throughout, emphasis is placed on mechanisms. Worked problems and questions are provided to aid understanding. In addition to providing material required by an undergraduate studying chemistry, Aromatic Chemistry is also ideal for industrial chemists seeking to update their knowledge of this important aspect of chemistry. Ideal for the needs of undergraduate chemistry students, Tutorial Chemistry Texts is a major new series consisting of short, single topic or modular texts concentrating on the fundamental areas of chemistry taught in undergraduate science courses. Each book provides a concise account of the basic principles underlying a given subject, embodying an independent-learning philosophy and including worked examples.

Functional Group Chemistry presents the chemistry of functional groups with an emphasis on patterns of reactivity, the consequences of the relative electronegativity of the atoms that constitute functional groups, the role of lone pairs and the stereochemistry of reactions at a particular group. The material is presented in four chapters. The first chapter describes some of the general principles that affect the reactivity of functional groups. The second chapter examines the chemistry of functional groups involving - C-X bonds as in alkyl halides, alcohols, ethers, amines and organometallic reagents. The third chapter covers the chemistry of both symmetrical and unsymmetrical -bonded functional groups, typified by alkenes and carbonyl groups. The final chapter concentrates on aromatic compounds. It is concerned with the interactions between an aromatic ring and functional groups that are attached to it, such as their effect on the orientation of aromatic substitution. Each chapter concludes with a series of problems. The chemistry of the functional groups is considered here with a mechanistic rationale. Students are encouraged to consider the reactivity of functional groups in terms of their regions of electron deficiency and excess, and hence to identify the sites at which nucleophiles and electrophiles might react. Additional material is available on the website at www.rsc.org/tct Ideal for the needs of undergraduate chemistry students, Tutorial Chemistry Texts is a major series consisting of short, single topic or modular texts concentrating on the fundamental areas of chemistry taught in undergraduate science courses. Each book provides a concise account of the basic principles underlying a given subject, embodying an independent-learning philosophy and including worked examples.