The 100 Most Important Chemical Compounds: A Reference Guide

Availability: In Stock. Ships from and sold by Boone Bridge Books.com.

Hardcover | Other formats

Description
Examines the history, use, and science of the 100 most important chemical compounds found in the world today

Reviews

Descriptions, Reviews, Etc.

Library Journal (12/15/2007)
Chemicals play a role in our everyday lives, from the water we drink to the air we breathe. Here, Myers (environmental science, Alaska Pacific Univ.) provides information on 100 chemicals important to society, heath, and industry. He opens with an introduction to chemical compounds and a summary of the entry format. The discussion of chemicals that follows includes acetic acid (the acid in vinegar), xylene (a chemical used to make plastics and polyester), the synthetic pesticide DDT, penicillin, chlorophyll, and methane. The three- to five-page A-to-Z entries contain each chemical's name, formula, structure, mass, CAS number, melting and boiling points, and density as well as information on its importance and, in some cases, history. The book closes with a table of common names, a guide to further reading, and a glossary. Because there is no mention of selection criteria, readers are left wondering why these particular chemicals are discussed. BOTTOM LINE Giving both general and scientific information that might be useful to a variety of users, this is recommended for large public and college/university libraries, especially those serving chemistry departments.Linda Zellmer, Indiana Univ. Libs., Bloomington Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information.

School Library Journal (02/01/2008)
Gr 7 UpThe introduction to this in-depth, alphabetically arranged work provides an overview of the science of chemical compounds and explains the format of the entries. Each one begins with a line drawing portraying the compounds structure, followed by a heading listing its chemical name, Chemical Abstract Services (CAS) number, molecular formula, molar mass, composition, melting point, boiling point, and density. The densely laid out main text discusses the compounds chemistry, history, manufacture, and societal impact. The author has included anecdotal information about people, places, and products pertaining to the compound, as well as useful historical information. For example, the entry on hydrogen peroxide discusses its use in propelling the space capsules of the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs. Tables, maps, and illustrations (a schematic of a nuclear power plant, archival cartoons) appear throughout. The clear writing makes this volume accessible to lay readers. Endnotes include a list of the Common and Ancient Names of Substances. A useful addition."Maren Ostergard, King County Library System, Issaquah, WA" Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information.

ISBN: 0313337586 | EAN: 9780313337581
Publisher: Greenwood Press  | Publication Date: August, 2007

Additional Information