This book has an extensive coverage of  fields in organic chemistry with emphasis on biological applications. It provides students, especially these in medical, biological and engineering areas, with a full scope introduction to organic chemistry fitting into broader interests related to medicinal and biological sciences. Throughout the book, reaction mechanism, organic structure and analysis, and chemical design are also presented. The book would fulfill the time requirements for one-semester curriculum for freshman and sophomore college students. Alternatively, it could be also used as part of a two-semester curriculum that has general chemistry as part of its focus.

Timothy B. Patrick, a native of Huntington, West Virginia, received a Ph.D. Degree from West Virginia University in 1967 with Dr. Denis W.H. MacDowell as his program director. Following two years of postdoctoral study at Ohio State University with Dr. Melvin S. Newman, he was appointed to the faculty of Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, where he holds the rank of professor of chemistry. Professor Patrick's interests are in the educational aspects of organic chemistry where he regularly teaches undergraduate organic chemistry, organic reaction mechanisms and organic synthesis. Patrick has research interest in methodology and mechanism in organofluorine chemistry where he has published over seventy research papers.