Addition, Elimination and Substitution: Markovnikov, Hofmann, Zaitsev and Walden: Discovery and Development discusses foundational reactions in organic chemistry and their major protagonists, contributions to synthesis, and history. Hofmann, Zaitsev, and Markovnikov are introduced, along with their major discoveries and contributions to organic chemistry. The history of controversies around Markovnikov’s Rule are addressed. The book introduces Walden’s original demonstration of configuration inversion, then discusses bimolecular elimination reactions, regioselective addition reactions, regiospecific alkene synthesis, and the development of modern reactions with configuration inversion. With its unique perspective, focus, and comprehensive coverage, this book belongs on the shelf of every organic chemist.

• Introduces Markovnikov, Zaitsev, Hofmann, and Walden as actual persons, rather than just an abstract term used as a form of short-hand to describe the rules
• Discusses, in depth, the discovery and usage of these reactions and rules, from their discovery to their most recent applications
• Includes biographical materials about chemists responsible for major changes in application of the rules
• Traces the history of the applications of these reactions, e.g., anti-Markovnikov additions in catalytic organic synthesis, and reactions such as the Mitsunobu reaction improving the original SN2 displacement