This book contains a short history and account of stereochemistry :
the study of the three-dimensional structure of molecules and of the
relationships between the structure and properties of matter. This
subject seems to us to make a particularly suitable introduction to
the most important chemical problems of today. The successes of
modern chemistry (by modern we mean the chemistry of the last
30-40 years) are directly related to the development of new theories
of the forces which bond atoms to each other, and to the appearance
of new, rapid and effective methods for the investigation of molecular
structures. These factors have produced in the most recent genera-
tion of chemists a new sensibility in which stereochemical aspects
are useful not only for explaining a limited number of phenomena
but also form a basis for the correct interpretation of the reactivity
and properties of molecules. If one tries to enter into the heart of
chemical phenomena, in particular if one wishes to take steps
towards understanding the chemistry of the processes of life, it is
necessary to seek the aid of the methods of stereochemistry in large
measure ; it is necessary to think in three-dimensional terms.
"Stereochemistry" is not, however, a treatise or a text on stereo-
chemistry. It is neither complete nor systematic, characteristics
which we have preferred to neglect in our search for easily under-
standable, interesting material.
Author(s): Giulio Natta, Mario V. Farina
Publisher: Prentice Hall Press
Year: 1972
Language: English
Pages: 254
I Stereochemistry from Pasteur to today 13
Pasteur and the resolution of tartaric acid – the
tetrahedral carbon atom – the foundation of classical
stereochemistry — the structures of the sugars -- two
contrasting theories of cyclic compounds – classical
and modern stereochemistry.
II Atoms and molecules 33
From the periodic system of the elements to the Bohr
atom – the electron : wave or particle? – orbitals and
the system of elements – chemical valency as an
electronic phenomenon – the quantum-mechanical
interpretation – delocalization of electrons and
resonance – the geometry of molecules.
III The shape of molecules 65
Isomerism or the multiplicity of structures – the
different types of stereoisomerism – conrormational
analysis – the calculation of conformational energy
and the shapes of more complex molecules – cyclo-
hexane and cyclic compounds – the conformations
of natural products.
IV Molecular symmetry 91
What is symmetry? — symmetry elements and opera-
tions — molecular symmetry and optical activity —
how to treat non-rigid molecules 2-- optical isomerism
without a centre.
V Some aspects of reaction dynamics 115
The driving force of chemical reactions – reaction
rates and mechanisms – how molecules are modified –
stereospecific reactions – kinetic control and thermo-
dynamic control – asymmetric syntheses – the con-
servation of orbital symmetry.
VI Macromolecular stereochemistry 149
Synthetic polymers — organometallic catalysts —
isotactic and syndiotactic polymers – stereospecific
polymerization – the mechanical properties of
polymers.
VII Biological macromolecules 173
The polysaccharides — the structures of proteins --
globular proteins — the double helix of DNA — dupli-
cation of DNA and the code for protein synthesis.
VIII Structure and behaviour of chemical compounds 195
The fusion of molecular crystals – the action of drugs
– enzymatic reactions – fluxional molecules – the
chemical process of vision.
IX The origin of optical activity 219
The abiological hypotheses — the biological hypo-
theses — some experimental verifications.
Appendices
I Emanuele Paterno
and the theory of the tetrahedral carbon atom 235
II The nomenclature of optical stereoisomers 239
III Symmetry elements and groups 245
Bibliography 247
Index 249
