Chemical bonding, is this book good?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the suitability of Linus Pauling's book, "The Nature of the Chemical Bond and the Structure of Molecules and Crystals; An Introduction to Modern Structural Chemistry," for students beginning their studies in Organic Chemistry. Participants agree that while Pauling is a reputable author, the book may be too advanced for beginners without a solid grasp of basic concepts such as moles, symbols, valence, and electronegativity. It is recommended that students focus on understanding covalent bonding through valence bond theory before delving into more complex theories like molecular orbitals and linear combination of atomic orbitals.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic concepts of modern chemistry: moles, symbols, valence, and electronegativity
  • Understanding of covalent bonding and valence bond theory
  • Familiarity with hydrogen bonding and its exceptions
  • Knowledge of molecular orbital theory and linear combination of atomic orbitals
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the fundamentals of covalent bonding using valence bond theory
  • Explore the concept of electronegativity and its role in chemical bonding
  • Research modern textbooks on Organic Chemistry for updated methodologies
  • Learn about molecular orbital theory and its applications in chemical bonding
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for students of Organic Chemistry, educators seeking teaching resources, and anyone interested in understanding the foundational theories of chemical bonding.

rocomath
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So I'm having trouble grasping the theories of Chemical bonding and I'm taking Organic Chemistry.

I know it's not realistic that I will truly understand it, but I'd like some grasp of it.

This book is written by Linus Pauling and I know he is a 2-time Nobel Prize winner, but is this book at my level or too advance? It didn't state so I'm not sure.

The Nature of the Chemical Bond and the Structure of Molecules and Crystals; An Introduction to Modern Structural Chemistry.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0801403332/?tag=pfamazon01-20

Is this book too old? Any recommendations on a more up to date book, thanks.
 
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If you understand the basic concepts of modern chemistry (moles, symbols, valence and electronegativity) you will know all you need to begin your organic chemistry course. With which theories of chemical bonding are you having trouble? With only a few exceptions (like hydrogen bonding), covalent bonding between carbon and hydrogen, sulfur, nitrogen, oxygen and halogens are all that you will likely discuss.
 
What chemisttree said, most universities will expect you to understand the basics of covalent bonding using a valence bond theory method, I.E. one electron from one atom and one from another making a covalent bond which is asymettrically shared between atoms of different electronegativity.

Reading a chemical bonding book too early maybe intellectually fastinating, but may throw you into learning molecular orbital and Linear combination of atomic orbitals, along with wavefunction additions and other takes on modern day theories, which can be somewhat confusing to grasp in an individual learning situation and its best to let the university slip you into that stuff so your much more confident about learning all the different takes on these things.
 

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