Which textbook is the best for learning organic chemistry?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around identifying the best textbook for learning organic chemistry, with a focus on the structure and pedagogical approach of the material presented. Participants express their preferences and experiences with different textbooks, seeking recommendations that align with their learning styles.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses dissatisfaction with the Vollhardt and Schore textbook, describing it as "spammy" and lacking connections between topics, and requests a book that builds on fundamental concepts.
  • Another participant argues that organic chemistry cannot be simplified into derived principles like mathematics, noting the complexity of the subject and the personal nature of material selection by authors.
  • There is a mention of Morrison and Boyd as a potential "bible" of organic chemistry, with one participant confirming its effectiveness after obtaining a copy.
  • A participant expresses uncertainty about their current textbook's effectiveness and seeks input from others regarding their experiences with different books.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on which textbook is the best, as opinions vary based on personal experiences and preferences. Multiple competing views regarding the nature of organic chemistry and the effectiveness of different textbooks remain present.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the subjective nature of textbook selection and the complexity of organic chemistry, indicating that personal preferences and learning styles significantly influence their recommendations.

Harrisonized
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As the title states, what is the best book?

The book I'm using now is Vollhardt and Schore. I don't like it very much. The book is very spammy, if you know what I mean. I'd like a book that builds on previous facts. My current book just presents facts with little relation to previous topics, and reading it makes me wonder what the point of learning this material is (other than that I need to know them for the course).

I want something more of like a math or physics book, where everything is derived from a fundamental set of well-accepted facts, or at least something that justifies >why< the material is being presented in the book.

If you're recommending a book and you still have it, could you please provide some examples from the book where the above request is satisfied?
 
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Harrisonized said:
I want something more of like a math book, where everything is derived from a fundamental set of well-accepted facts, or at least something that justifies >why< the material is being presented in the book.

It won't be easy. First of all - organic chemistry is not derived, we observed the reality and tried to explain it. And reality doesn't like to be pushed into simple categories, especially when it is so complex reality like the one observed in organic chemistry.

When it comes to material selection it is almost always a personal choice of the author. We can do some generalizations about observed reaction mechanisms. Some of them are more general and happen more often, some of them are less likely to happen or require some particular conditions to be observed. Those more general (like SN1, SN2, E1) will be described in every book. Those less general are always a matter of personal taste - each author will find different mechanisms more interesting for some reasons. Same about examples.
 
I thought the bible of organic chemistry was Morrison and Boyd? Or no?
 
I don't know. Without other people telling me of their experiences, I'm lost. I only have Vollhardt and Schore, and it's not working.
 
jackmell said:
I thought the bible of organic chemistry was Morrison and Boyd? Or no?

Not that I'm trying to necropost, but I finally obtained a copy of this book. It is amazing, and suits all of what I asked for.
 

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