Organic Chemistry Principles and Industrial Practice

"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 1960īs. 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

"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