Human benefit from the organic chemistry of plants is incalculable in terms of health, food, comfort and security. Indeed, the future well-being of humanity rests in significant measure upon a responsible relationship with the plant kingdom in order to re-establish balance in the Earth’s natural environmental systems.
In a highly readable volume, Organic Chemistry: Miracles from Plants presents many fascinating points of entry to the organic chemistry of a wide range of crucially-important, naturally-occurring, chemical substances which are derived from plants.
Features:
Presents in a readable and accessible manner many fascinating points of entry to the organic chemistry of a wide range of crucially-important, naturally-occurring, chemical substances which are derived from plants. Key concepts in and knowledge of organic chemistry are reinforced. Highly-relevant and contemporary context stimulates learning in organic chemistry. Searching exercises and extension materials are provided at the end of every chapter each of which is amply illustrated. In a single source, this volume provides knowledge, challenge and valuable learning opportunity in chemistry, medicine, nutrition and the environmental sciences.
By:
Jeffrey John Deakin
Imprint: CRC Press
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions:
Height: 254mm,
Width: 178mm,
Weight: 671g
ISBN: 9781032664910
ISBN 10: 1032664916
Pages: 258
Publication Date: 23 May 2024
Audience:
College/higher education
,
Professional and scholarly
,
Primary
,
Undergraduate
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active
PART I Introduction Organic Chemistry Context: Miraculous Chemicals from Plants References Nomenclature Botanical names Scope of chemistry PART II Medical Marvels Introduction Central America’s Humble Potato! Suggested Further Reading Reference Europe Solves a Headache! Emergence of Aspirin Suggested Further Reading Reference Attacking Malaria: a South American Treasure and a Chinese Miracle Suggested Further Reading References A Steroid in Your Garden Suggested Further Reading Reference Africa’s Gift to the World Suggested Further Reading Saving the Pacific Yew Tree References Vaccines, Adjuvants and Organic Chemistry A Vaccine Against Covid-19 References PART III Nutrition—Ancient and Modern Miracles Introduction Rediscovering Traditional Grains of the Americas—Chia and Quinoa Suggested Further Reading Wheat—Ancient and Modern Suggested Further Reading References Asian Staple—Rice Suggested Further Reading Chinese Cordyceps—Winter Worm, Summer Grass Suggested Further Reading PART IV Beverages Introduction Tea: from Legend to Healthy Obsession! Selected further reading Cocoa (Cacao)—Food of the Gods Chemical Constituents of Cocoa Suggested Further Reading Coffee—Wake Up and Smell the Aroma! Suggested Further Reading Maca from the High Andes in South America Suggested Further Reading Reference PART V Euphorics Introduction Suggested Further Reading Morphine: A Double-Edged Sword Suggested Further Reading Cannabis and Marijuana Suggested Further Reading Coca and Cocaine Suggested Further Reading Tobacco: A Profound Impact on the World Reference PART VI Exotic Potions, Lotions and Oils Introduction Suggested Further Reading A Plant from the East Indies, Camphor Suggested Further Reading Biblical Resins: Frankincense and Myrrh Suggested Further Reading References European Lavender Suggested Further Reading Global Aloe Suggested Further Reading Reference PART VII Colorful Chemistry, a Natural Palette of Plant Dyes and Pigments Introduction Selected Reading Our World of Green Plants—Human Survival Suggested Further Reading References Saffron and Carotenoids—Yellow and Orange Dyes Suggested Further Reading Reference Woad (Isatis Tinctoria) and Indigo Suggested Further Reading Reference Red Dyes from Henna, Dyer’s Bugloss and Madder Suggested Further Reading References Reversible Colors in Flowers, Berries and Fruit Suggested Further Reading References PART VIII Plant Materials Introduction The Wonderful World of Wood References Secrets of a Sticky Secretion References Suggested Further Reading The Green Credentials of Bioplastic References Suggested Further Reading PART IX Plants and the Natural Environment Introduction Seaweed and ‘Blue’ Carbon References Suggestions for Further Reading Garlic and Pungent Smells Suggested Further Reading Learning to Love Legumes References Glossary Organic Chemistry: Miracles from Plants Acknowledgments Index
Dr Jeffrey J. Deakin earned a BSc degree in chemistry with first class honors from the University of London followed by a PhD degree in physical chemistry from the University of Cambridge. As a teacher of science, Jeff headed chemistry and physics departments in grammar and comprehensive schools in the UK. He has written books and numerous articles aimed at demystifying chemistry and broadening interest in the subject. Jeff is a Fellow of The Royal Society of Chemistry in London. He was a member of the Curriculum and Assessment Working Group at the Royal Society of Chemistry, which recently reviewed the national curriculum in chemistry in each of the four home nations of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
