The most comprehensive I've seen.
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As almost every organic chemist agrees, this is currently the organic chemistry bible. I feel it's strength lies in the vast volume of reactions referenced. However, there are problems with this edition which havn't been ironed out by the next edition with Smith as co-editor. This book, it seems to me, is a catalogue of the literature rather than a stimulating read. Hence many students may find this book uninspiring. There's probably more fun in reading an Aldrich catalogue! The diagrams are of a general nature rather than those taken from the literature and thus describe little about the regio and chemoselectivity of these reactions using real life pictorial examples. In that sense, this book is really a reference catalogue to the literature for practicing organic chemists rather than the graduate student textbook which it claims to be. There is (or maybe was) an organic textbook which I read in my spare time called 'Organic Chemistry' by Smith. It's much less comprehensive but still at quite a high level. I'd recommend this if you are looking for an alternative. However, for a secondary literature reference guide, it can't compare and 'March' reigns supreme, unfortunately. Also, get the hardback, I've seen these things split in half very regularily!!!!!
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Classic text let down by poor proofreading
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This is a long-awaited update to the definitive graduate-level organic chemistry text-book. However it appears to be only a "beta" version due to the large number of errors in both the molecular structures and the text . Most of these are merely irritating: groups left out of structures, incorrect compound labelling and pieces of text referring to given structures missing, but could prove confusing to less experienced readers. Clearly these mistakes reflect the practical difficulties of the (unfortunately necessary) change of authorship, and the technical standard of the book remains high. However, my advice to anyone considering purchasing the book is to wait until a corrected reprint becomes available if possible.
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Excellent encyclopaedic volume
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This is a long awaited update of Jerry March's fourth edition of 'Advanced Organic Chemistry'. Filling in the gap which spans almost a decade, Michael Smith has continued the general structure of the classic reference text, and included many new and important reactions that are of use to synthetic chemists today. This is basically an encyclopaedic volume, although it is claimed to be a graduate teaching text. One can find almost all the reactions that one may need in here. In addition, there are plenty of references to the original literature should they be required. It is too well-worth for its cost considering the wealth of information it contains. Indispensible for all organic chemists, and specially dedicated to Professor March who passed away before this final volume is completed.
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There is no better
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This book is the most useful tool for any organic chemist. If you only buy one text book then this should be the one, however, some of the references are a little obscure.
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Organic chemists bible...
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The best there is at this level (Ph.D.)...Time for a new version though, this one is getting dated.
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