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The structural theory of organic chemistry

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Abstract

It is the purpose of this chapter to present an outline of the main structural facets of organic chemistry, particularly those which concern spatial relationships within molecules. The number of organic compounds known is so large that a systematic study of the structure and reactions (see chapter 4) is essential. In this book, we shall be mainly concerned with organic compounds of natural origin which are of interest in biology and medicine. It is for this reason that certain aspects of structural theory—notably stereochemistry—will be emphasized. Structural theory is at the heart of a study of organic chemistry, for it is on this basis that facts about millions of different compounds are collected and arranged in a systematic way.

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© 1980 J. G. Dawber and A. T. Moore

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Dawber, J.G., Moore, A.T. (1980). The structural theory of organic chemistry. In: Chemistry for the Life Sciences. Palgrave, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-16250-5_2

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