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/