This text is designed for an introductory course in organic chemistry and assumes, as background, a prior course of general chemistry. Both its form and content have been shaped by our experiences in the classroom and by our assessment of the present and future direction of the brief organic course. A brief course in organic chemistry must achieve several goals. First, most students who elect this course are oriented toward careers in science, but few if any intend to become professional chemists; rather, they are preparing for careers in areas that require a grounding in the essentials of organic chemistry. here is the place to examine the structure, properties, and reactions of rather simple molecules. Students can then build on this knowledge in later course work and professional life.