Chemicals for Life and Living

Affliation: Vancouver, Canada

From the reviews: "The information is presented as a collection of mostly unconnected essays, and the majority are very good. ... The eclectic collection of chemicals (many depicted with full stereochemistry) is accompanied by informative and colourful illustrations. Finally, the book concludes with a 60 page introduction to chemistry ... . the book does represent a brave and largely successful attempt to describe the importance of chemistry and chemicals." (John Mann, Chemistry World, December, 2011) "This most welcome book, intended for general readers, investigates the chemistry behind many everyday processes in the marketplace, at home, etc., and such various substances as poisons and pharmaceuticals. ... The seven-part volume includes essays about remarkable chemicals and compounds that most people have heard of. ... Each chapter can be read independently, and an in-depth appendix, 'Essentials of Chemistry,' is incorporated as a resource for readers seeking further details. ... Summing Up: Recommended. Students of all levels and general audiences." (M. Rossi, Choice, Vol. 49 (8), April, 2012)

• Ws preferableter.- Air.- Life itself (A): How can we get energy to live with?.- Life itself (B): Why are we like our parents?.- Clothing and Shelters – Polymer Material.- Mineral nutrition.-  Stories of Drug Development.- Fireworks – A Carnival of Chemicals.- Light Sticks, Fireflies and Color TV.- Ceramics.- Diamond, Graphite, Bucky Ball and Nanotubes                   (Fun with Carbon).- Perfumes.- Chemistry of the Universe.- Chemistry of the Earth.- Environmental Issues – Inorganic Pollutants.- Environmental Issues – Organic Pollutants.- Use, Abuse and Misuse of Chemicals.- Domain of Chemistry.- Chemistry’s View of the Material World.- Chemicals and Light.- Are Atoms and Molecules for Real?  Can we see them?