Organic Chemistry II as a Second Language: Second Semester Topics

Building on the resounding success of the first volume (0-471-27235-3), Organic Chemistry as a Second Language, Volume 2 provides readers with clear, easy-to-understand explanations of fundamental principles. It explores the critical concepts while also examining why they are relevant. The core content is presented within the framework of predicting products, proposing mechanisms, and solving synthesis problems. Readers will fine-tune the key skills involved in solving those types of problems with the help of interactive, step-by-step instructions and problems.

Customer Reviews:

A great supplement for an introduction to organic chemistry

By The Turtles "Science Nerds" - June 12, 2006

I ordered this book after reading Mr. Klein's first Organic Chemistry as a Second Language book and was immediately content with my purchase upon arrival. This book clearly explains how to approach countless types of Organic Chemistry II problems and was a much more effective tool than stumbling through my textbook or messy lecture notes. If you work through the numerous example problems within each chapter, this book is the perfect supplement for any Orgo class. The best part is that you don't really have to work hard to memorize a list of reactions; this book shows you how to approach novel problems and understand why the reactions take place.

I highly recommend this product to anyone who is taking an Organic Chemistry course or preparing for the MCAT.

Edit: a few years later
I am currently a medical student, and I just wanted to go back to this review and reiterate how important this book was to my success in organic chemistry in college and on the MCAT... read more

The only way to understand O-Chem II

By Judd Cahoon - March 18, 2006

This is the only reason I am getting an A in my second semester of organic chemistry. The lectures are okay, but the book simplifies the message and clearly explains the mechanisms and whats needed to understand them, not just memorization. Great buy.

Not a textbook replacement.

By Heather - May 9, 2007

I just finished my Organic Chemistry course. This book was a huge help, especially since all of the reactions were geared towards synthesis - the most challenging material of the whole year.

What it covered, it covered very well, BUT there was a LOT in my course that wasn't in this book. If you're looking for a great way to learn the basic concepts before you tackle your textbook, this is the book for you. But if your class doesn't have a textbook, or you're looking for a more condensed (and easier to read)version of your textbook, this isn't it. It's a good way to learn the basics, but don't expect it to get you through your class.

I'd recommend Organic Chemistry Demystified if you want a textbook replacement. There was only one reaction in my entire year of class that wasn't in that book, but it didn't break things down as well as Organic Chemistry as a Second Language.