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Summary: Organic Chemistry Solutions Manual by Jan Simek
Review: I began self-studying organic chemistry several months ago using two textbooks along with the accompanying solutions manuals which I had selected because they were being used by two local colleges.
A couple of months ago I read the reveiws about Wade's textbook and Simek's accompanying solutions manual in this space and decided to give them a try. In my opinion, both books are far superior to the books I started with.
I strongly disagree with the reviewer who wrote that the line drawings make the solutions manual hard to follow.
Rating: 
Summary: Five star book through first 15 chapters, then goes downhill
Review: I remember reading the first edition of this book back in 1987, and my opinion of it didn't change much with this edition. The author does an exceptional job of introducing the concepts of organic chemistry in the first 15 chapters, although the stereochemistry chapter could be expanded 2-fold. Some of the explanations and descriptions in these chapters are better than anything else I've seen published. However, in the second half of the book, the complicated reactions and spatial requirements of aromatics, ketones, aldehydes, amines, etc., are listed more than explained. This is likely due to a combination of factors, the main one being that there is too much material to cover in a manner that does it justice. However, for a student who is taking the course, it must be offsetting to be going through the book, getting a good understanding of organic chemistry, then get hit with essentially a different book in the second semester of the course.Since I am reading the text just to update my skills, I flipped through the second half of the book. For you all who have to take the course, good luck! {Actually, for practicing synthetic organic chemists, the material is necessary, but for more biologically-oriented scientists such as myself half the material is off-focus.}
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Summary: Teach yourself with this book.
Review: I took this course from the author at Whitman. This book saved me tons of sleep because the book alone can teach the entire scope of first year organic chemistry by itself. I've seen other books, and none are as simple yet profound as this one.
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Summary: Very good for an chem book
Review: I usually find it very hard to understand chem books, however, this book explains very well and has a lot visuals.
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Summary: Organic Certified!
Review: L.G. "Skip" Wade has done an exceptional job at writing a textbook in probably the most merciless field of human endeavor. First, the physical aspect of the book is worth noting; the illustration is pleasant yet remain faithful to the scientific accuracy it wishes to convey. The glossy paper is sturdy, preventing the frequent mishaps of tear and wear so common to the undergraduate life. Wade does not condescend as an author (a particular attribute that probably increases the likeability of an author/professor) ; he matter-of-factly admits to having made a "C" on his second organic test, a testament to the difficulty of the subject. He acknowledges the difficulty of organic chemistry, he concurs to the fact that memorization is indeed required, yet he offers the comforting assurance that organic chemistry is indeed the logical subject it has always been touted to be, as evidenced by the structured organization of the book. The book begins with a review of general chemistry (Lewis structure, acids and bases, molecular orbitals, and the like) and sets to introduce briefly the electron-pushing principle so fundamental to organic chemistry. Alkane is covered next, introducing the concept of conformational analysis, polarity, intermolecular forces, and general introduction the other functional groups. The next chapter is on the study of chemical reactions, followed by stereochemistry (perhaps the hardest chapter). Maybe it is safe to suggest that the most logical part (fundamental principles) of organic chemistry resides in these first five chapters, while the dreadful memorization will soon ensue. Chapter 6 onwards introduces the major functional groups (alkyl halides, alkene, alcohols, alkynes), where the general trend is to present the nomenclature, the uses, the synthesis, and the mechanism; in that order. Accompanying summary of informations so essential to the "memorization" is found at the end of every chapter.The underlying principles common to all field of organic chemistry are exemplified in the illustrative reactions of the functional groups. Spectroscopy are introduced in Chapters 12 and 13, and the chapters following them are devoted to introduce the remaining major functional groups with knowledge of spectroscopy already presented. Chapters 23, 24, and 25 discuss the organic compounds of particular interest to the biologically-orientated, while Chapter 26 concludes the book with a survey of synthetic polymer. The most striking characterictics of the book are probably its problem solving hints, problem-solving strategies and essential problem-solving skills boxes. It almost seemed as though Wade was right in front of you showing you where to push that lazy electrons; patient and reminding. The solved problems are also very illustrative. An accompanying solution manual should perfectly complement your journey into the wonderful world of organic chemistry!
Rating:
Summary: Organic Certified!
Review: L.G. "Skip" Wade has done an exceptional job at writing a textbook in probably the most merciless field of human endeavor. First, the physical aspect of the book is worth noting; the illustration is pleasant yet remain faithful to the scientific accuracy it wishes to convey. The glossy paper is sturdy, preventing the frequent mishaps of tear and wear so common to the undergraduate life. Wade does not condescend as an author (a particular attribute that probably increases the likeability of an author/professor) ; he matter-of-factly admits to having made a "C" on his second organic test, a testament to the difficulty of the subject. He acknowledges the difficulty of organic chemistry, he concurs to the fact that memorization is indeed required, yet he offers the comforting assurance that organic chemistry is indeed the logical subject it has always been touted to be, as evidenced by the structured organization of the book. The book begins with a review of general chemistry (Lewis structure, acids and bases, molecular orbitals, and the like) and sets to introduce briefly the electron-pushing principle so fundamental to organic chemistry. Alkane is covered next, introducing the concept of conformational analysis, polarity, intermolecular forces, and general introduction the other functional groups. The next chapter is on the study of chemical reactions, followed by stereochemistry (perhaps the hardest chapter). Maybe it is safe to suggest that the most logical part (fundamental principles) of organic chemistry resides in these first five chapters, while the dreadful memorization will soon ensue. Chapter 6 onwards introduces the major functional groups (alkyl halides, alkene, alcohols, alkynes), where the general trend is to present the nomenclature, the uses, the synthesis, and the mechanism; in that order. Accompanying summary of informations so essential to the "memorization" is found at the end of every chapter.The underlying principles common to all field of organic chemistry are exemplified in the illustrative reactions of the functional groups. Spectroscopy are introduced in Chapters 12 and 13, and the chapters following them are devoted to introduce the remaining major functional groups with knowledge of spectroscopy already presented. Chapters 23, 24, and 25 discuss the organic compounds of particular interest to the biologically-orientated, while Chapter 26 concludes the book with a survey of synthetic polymer. The most striking characterictics of the book are probably its problem solving hints, problem-solving strategies and essential problem-solving skills boxes. It almost seemed as though Wade was right in front of you showing you where to push that lazy electrons; patient and reminding. The solved problems are also very illustrative. An accompanying solution manual should perfectly complement your journey into the wonderful world of organic chemistry!
Rating:
Summary: A great choice for upper level undergraduate work
Review: L.G. Wade has again come out with an excellent treatment of one of the most dreaded and difficult topics. His latest edition is appropriate for any upper level undergraduate class, and perhaps for some graduate courses depending on particular cirriculums. The workbook reader is a must to compliment the textbook.
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Summary: One of the best scientific textbooks I've used.
Review: Many people enter an organic chemistry course with incredible trepidation, but Wade's book is incredibly clear and helpful. Instead of encouraging rote memorization of reaction mechanisms and synthetic pathways, he develops a small number of core principles from which most of the more advanced topics may be built. The solved example problems in the text are very helpful, and the end-of-chapter problems are well-chosen. I had the good fortune of taking organic from a truly superb professor, but I think that even autodidacts could learn a great deal from this book. Any criticisms I have of this text are very minor (e.g. I would have preferred it if the mechanism for chromic acid oxidation had been given), and it makes the subject both interesting and genuinely enjoyable.
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Summary: My favorite Organic Chemistry book
Review: Over the years, I have seen a great many Organic Chemistry books, none as thourough and easy to understand as Wade's. From a student's point of view it is great that you only need to read it once and understand everything without reviewing one chapter multiple times. If it talks about a mechanism, it usually also gives all the steps. With some books you actually need to look up half of the mechanisms in other books.
Rating:
Summary: An excellent book for undergraduate
Review: Skip Wade did a very good job in explaining Organic Chemistry concepts. Glossary and problem sets put in the end of each chapters are very good .They really help you understand the concept more. I recommend you to also buy the Solution Manual.
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