Making the Connections: A How-To Guide for Organic Chemistry Lab Techniques

by Anne B. Padias

The title of this organic chemistry lab techniques guide, Making the Connections, refers to the making of bonds to build the molecules that are an essential part of organic chemistry. Written in a clear, concise style, the book is a user-friendly instructional tool designed to facilitate the learning process by including many every-day examples of the chemical principles used in the laboratory. The title of the book also refers to the educational aim of helping students "make the connections" with the things they already know and understand. Developed to instill confidence in the laboratory, Making the Connections is presented in a soft-cover, 6x9 format that includes numerous instructional illustrations; coverage of techniques on various scales; basic principles, and practial tips.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction, Read For School, Chemistry

192 pages, Perfect Paperback

First published February 22, 2007

Reviews

[Sebastian Alvarez · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect how-to guide.

[S James · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book. Read it in one sitting. It’s a good resource for understanding basic techniques in the lab. I might be biased because I’ve taken organic chemistry before. I feel it reaffirms my knowledge, and gives a cleaner understanding.

[Sophie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel that the explanations for procedures could have been more clear. Some of the chapters were denser than I expected and did not necessarily parallel what I was actually doing/learning in my organic chem lab course, albeit the same procedures were discussed.

[Denisse · Rating 3 out of 5]

I cannot imagine how I actually read this when I took my Organic Chemistry classes. First of all, the lab book was indeed a Spartan. Second, this book sometimes didn't help me figure out what's going on in the lab judging from the usual disappointments I have with the pre-lab quizzes (they're typically harder than the hardest quiz I've ever taken on my Org. Chem. Lab 1). It is insightful and helpful. However, it is brain-wise interesting and it helped me make my lab reports NEAT and gave me all the edge to get As on my lab reports (except my first lab report which I got a B -_-). Dr. Padias is nice. But she expects a lot. The credibility of the book proved otherwise. From a student point of view, when I took O-chem lab the first time, I understand the necessity of the book like it's a usual common sense and that "it makes the connection". If I hadn't finished Organic Chemistry II, I would've given this book a 5. However, I did finished Organic Chemistry II and I never once opened this book at O-chem II which is weird. It would've helped but browsing it (at least) didn't make me see the connection. Maybe years from now, I would give it a 5 even after finishing Organic Chemistry II and the labs. So temporarily, I would give it the usual average of 3.