Wilcox and Wilcox have introduced a second edition of their text that is a well-developed laboratory guide for those instructors using a "small-scale approach." By definition the small-scale approach is something between the traditional larger preparations used for many years, perhaps on an average scale of some 25 g, and microscale methods, commonly employing sometimes as little as 25 mg. In the authors' opinion this small-scale approach can still use older preparative equipment and glassware but will drastically reduce environmental problems. Microscale exercises sometimes suffer with larger classes and limited experience of TA's. If, indeed, the instructor's choice is to incorporate small scale into the organic chemistry laboratory curriculum, then this book would be a viable selection as a text.

The second edition includes some important changes. Elimination of some more environmentally harmful experiments and the addition of new ones make the second edition attractive. Noteworthy especially are added multistep syntheses for diphenylacetylene, hexaphenylbenzene, and tetraphenylethylene. The use of hexane as a solvent has replaced other less attractive alternatives where possible. Sections dealing with safety have been expanded and one explaining disposal of chemical wastes has been included. Separate chapters on MS, IR, UV/Vis, and NMR have been written.

The book contains a good detailed introduction covering safety and basic laboratory operations. There are some well-written theory sections for explaining separation and purification techniques, such as the one for distillation. Treatment of gas chromatography could have included additional material because it is used routinely and sometimes extensively in most laboratory courses. There is an organized organic qualitative analysis section for those who like to include some simple unknowns in the laboratory program. NMR treatment is extensive and even includes parameters for both 1H and 13C NMR to calculate and predict chemical shifts. However, the present reviewer does disagree with some minor issues, such as the statement that often 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazones do not need recrystallization. A low melting point has led many a student astray when attempting to solve an unknown.

In the preparative section there is in some instances a need for a better background discussion of the reaction and mechanism. Most instructors like a full package for an experiment, one requiring less laboratory time for explanation before the experiment is performed. However, procedures are straightforward and easy to follow. A large number of experiments and a wide variety of chemistry from which to choose will satisfy most instructors. Classical preparations, including a large section on compounds of medicinal and biological interest, and some interesting multistep syntheses will challenge instructors in their choices of experiments.

Overall, the Wilcox's have written a new edition which continues to fill a need for those courses using the small-scale approach.