Organic Chemistry as a Second Language, Second Semester Topics, 5th Edition

Organic Chemistry as a Second Language #2

by David R. Klein

Organic chemistry can be a challenging subject. Most students view organic chemistry as a subject requiring hours upon hours of memorization. Author David Klein’s Second Language books prove this is not true--organic chemistry is one continuous story that actually makes sense if you pay attention. Offering a unique skill-building approach, these market-leading books teach students how to ask the right questions to solve problems, study more efficiently to avoid wasting time, and learn to speak the language of organic chemistry. 

The fifth edition of Organic Chemistry as a Second Language: Second Semester Topics builds upon the principles previously explored in first half of the course--delving deeper into molecular mechanisms, reactions, and analytical techniques. Hands-on exercises and thoroughly-explained solutions further reinforce student comprehension of chemical concepts and organic principles. An indispensable supplement to the primary text, this resource covers aromatic compounds, infrared (IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, nucleophilic and electrophilic aromatic substitution, ketones and aldehydes, carboxylic acid derivatives, and much more.

Genres: Chemistry, Textbooks, Science, Nonfiction, School, Academic, Reference

400 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 7, 2005

Reviews

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

ty for saving the semester once again

[Stuart Woolf · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

I read the prequel to this book a few months ago and was very impressed by its clarity. This book tackles more difficult subject matter and glosses over some seemingly important details, but it did succeed in piquing my interests. I learned a lot and feel much better oriented in organic chemistry.

One area of improvement: I am a visual learner, so it helps me tremendously to tie whatever I am learning to (macroscopic) examples in industry or everyday life. (In all fairness, many science books are weak in this regard.) For whatever reason, the image that comes to mind when I think of organic molecules is a small, anticlimactic pool of colorless liquid that smells weird. Is this right? I'd love to know.

[cass · Rating 5 out of 5]

the only reason this isn’t the best duology of all time is because six of crows exists.

[sbs transit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a pretty house
And such a pretty garden

No alarms and no surprises (get me out of here)
No alarms and no surprises (get me out of here)
No alarms and no surprises, please (get me out of here)

[Maya Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

The only way I survived organic chemistry.

[Neill Tumulac · Rating 4 out of 5]

Imagine a discrete version of Organic Chemistry (not that I know the actual one), but this book basically lets you make decisions on a simple, 0 and 1 level. Yes and no. Most people communicate this way, so anyone can learn organic chemistry using such simple rules to define not only life, but chemistry.

[jules · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel sort of silly putting this on my Goodreads, but I want to shout about this book from the rooftops! The way it walks you through each topic is so logical and engaging (and I have never liked chemistry before). Even if you are just using it for practice problems, this is a lifesaver! Thank you, Mr. Klein!

[Lilly Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE book to read to understand organic chemistry. not comprehensive, but simply teaches the main concepts so the text books actually make sense. got me an A in MIT organic chemistry. The practice problems and DETAILED EXPLANATIONS are so helpful

[Stefan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A re-read, even better the second time around almost a decade later. Anyone looking to explore O-chem in a less daunting manner, this is the book to do it with.

[Zayn Lateef · Rating 5 out of 5]

Preciate it bro. Better Pull through again

[Inaam · Rating 5 out of 5]

yet another student saved from summer ochem. - from a 3x top scorer!!

[Natasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're like me, in order to get a good grade in a class you have to at least be able to reason with the information instead of rote memorization. This book has saved my life in organic chemistry. David Klein is amazing at mentioning simply in every section prior "information" the teacher should have told you what is but probably didn't. For example, I had no idea what a "carbonyl" group was and what exactly was happening in certain mechanisms. I'm fairly certain my professor might have mentioned in passing what a carbonyl group was, but I was too busy trying to follow to register.

Klein offers advice and gentle reminders in small sentences that don't make you feel like an idiot. He is very adamant that this is not a textbook but a book IN ADDITION TO the textbook. In fact, I read what he has to say before I even crack the textbook so I am already familiar with nomenclature and can focus on the studying aspect instead of stopping every few sentences and having to look up a term. This saves much headache and frustration in a subject that already has plenty of that built in. Plus it has loads of practice problems (with solutions in the back!) to try before tackling your textbook.

This book (and its twin for the first semester) are so much better than any Dummies book or Demystified book I've read for organic chemistry. SO much better. If you are going to buy a book for this course, get this one and First Semester Topics before you try anything else. It is so very worth it.

You might also want to buy a separate pack of highlighters just for these books too, just because there's so many great tips.

[Shaun · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book did not quite measure up to the first semester book. The basic problem is that, whereas the first semester dealt with the building blocks of organic chemistry, the second semester felt simply like a list of recipes that were all applying the same basic rules that you learned in the first semester. I don't fault the author for that - it is simply the nature of how organic chemistry is typically taught.

Another problem with this book is that the mechanisms are less well explained than in the first semester. This is probably a function of the reactions and compounds becoming more complex, but often I felt like I was simply taking the mechanism as an article of faith.

Ultimately, this is still a great book, and I'm sure it is simpler than most textbooks out there. But it is not as essential as First Semester was in explaining the fundamental concepts of organic chemistry.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

DEAR JAMIE,

If you are ever looking to learn organic chemistry this is the book to do it!, It explains the mechanisms very clearly and simply and gives plenty of problems to practice... final is tomorrrow wish me luck!

[Diana Marlowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must for Organic Chemistry II. It simplifies the topics and has nice practice problems for each section. Loved both first and second semester topics of these books. They were a lifesaver. Highly Recommend!

[Brooke McMinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

BEST BOOK FOR ORGANIC CHEMISTRY! The author explains it so much better than any textbook can. Definitely a must-have if you plan to endure Organic Chemistry!

[Laura Lanni]

Great practice questions with all the answers shown.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth the money - highly recommend for Orgo 2.

[Kehali Abdelhak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spectroscopy easily explained.