Why Chemical Reactions Happen

By tackling the most central ideas in chemistry, Why Chemical Reactions Happen provides the reader with all the tools and concepts needed to think like a chemist. The text takes a unified approach to the subject, avoiding the traditional divisions of physical, inorganic and organic chemistry and so helps the reader to develop a real overview of chemical processes. Unique unified approach helps the reader to see the connections between different ideas and concepts across the traditional divisions of chemistry Mathematical content is kept to a minimum, making the book suitable for readers from all backgrounds Informal written style with the emphasis on understanding through models and real examples keeps the text accessible and relevant Builds on and reinforces students' prior knowledge by expanding on many ideas and examples first encountered at school or college All the figures from the book will be available to download free from the Companion Web Site Numerous illustrations, many custom drawn, support the explanations given in the text Contents: What this book is about and who should read it What makes a reaction go? Ionic interactions Electrons in atoms Electrons in simple molecules Electrons in larger molecules Reactions Equilibrium Rates of reaction Bonding in extended systems - conjugation Substitution and elimination reactions The effects of the solvent Leaving groups Competing reactions Index Ancillary Materials: Companion Web Site: http://www.oup.com.uk/chemistry/