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.
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
Biography
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.
