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Decoding of Chemistry Olympiad

Decoding of Chemistry OlympiadDecoding of Chemistry OlympiadDecoding of Chemistry Olympiad

Decoding of Chemistry Olympiad

Decoding of Chemistry OlympiadDecoding of Chemistry OlympiadDecoding of Chemistry Olympiad
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    • Home
    • About
    • USNCO
      • General Overview
      • FAQs
      • Learning Objectives
      • DCC
      • Annotated Solutions
      • Misconception
      • Laboratory
      • Study Camp
    • Classes
      • Introduction
      • Registration
      • Placement
      • Testimony
      • National Preps
      • Open Classes
      • Lecture Notes
    • Resources
      • APChem
      • Textbooks
      • IChO
      • CChO
      • Mendeleev
      • VChO
      • WUCT&BCT
      • Other Sites
    • Consultation
      • Newsletters
      • Email
      • Discord
      • WeChat 微信
  • Home
  • About
  • USNCO
    • General Overview
    • FAQs
    • Learning Objectives
    • DCC
    • Annotated Solutions
    • Misconception
    • Laboratory
    • Study Camp
  • Classes
    • Introduction
    • Registration
    • Placement
    • Testimony
    • National Preps
    • Open Classes
    • Lecture Notes
  • Resources
    • APChem
    • Textbooks
    • IChO
    • CChO
    • Mendeleev
    • VChO
    • WUCT&BCT
    • Other Sites
  • Consultation
    • Newsletters
    • Email
    • Discord
    • WeChat 微信

Recommended Textbooks (click the cover)

Chemistry: 10e, by Zumdahl, etc.

Chemical Principles: The Quest for Insight, 7e, by Atkins, etc.

Chemical Principles: The Quest for Insight, 7e, by Atkins, etc.

  • college-level general chemistry textbook
  • fun to read, friendly to new learners
  • high-quality end-of-chapter practice problems
  • good for students to self-study AP Chemistry and USNCO locals
  • Recommended for students who take Season 1 and Season 2 with me


Chemical Principles: The Quest for Insight, 7e, by Atkins, etc.

Chemical Principles: The Quest for Insight, 7e, by Atkins, etc.

Chemical Principles: The Quest for Insight, 7e, by Atkins, etc.

  • advanced general chemistry textbook
  • advanced topics covered, some of which beyond the scope of USNCO
  • good examples and detailed solutions
  • good for students who already took AP Chemistry or equivalence to further improve
  • Recommended for students who prepare the USNCO national in the second year


Chemical Structure and Reactivity, 2e, by Keeler & Woothers

Chemical Principles: The Quest for Insight, 7e, by Atkins, etc.

Chemical Structure and Reactivity, 2e, by Keeler & Woothers

  • advanced general chemistry textbook including a few chapters of orgo
  • molecular orbital theory applied throughout the book
  • very unique way to organize the contents
  • advanced kinetics discussed in a detailed way
  • a good reference textbook for students to aim at study camp
  • used by UKChO study camp


Organic Chemistry, 4e, by David Klein

Organic Chemistry as a Second Language, 5e, by David Klein

Organic Chemistry as a Second Language, 5e, by David Klein

  • college-level organic chemistry textbook
  • fun to read, friendly to new learners
  • high-quality end-of-chapter ACS-style practice problems
  • generally, the first 20 chapters (skip Chapter 14/15 but IR) are good for most years of USNCO [read the Learning Objectives for orgo]

Organic Chemistry as a Second Language, 5e, by David Klein

Organic Chemistry as a Second Language, 5e, by David Klein

Organic Chemistry as a Second Language, 5e, by David Klein

  • Another great organic chemistry textbook written by David Klein
  • including two book series, semester 1 (ending at epoxides) and semester 2 (starting from benzene) 
  • more "concentrated" compared to traditional textbooks, which is good for students preparing for chemistry olympiad with limited time
  • hands-on exercises and step-by-step explanations, good for self-study


Organic Chemistry, 2e, by Clayden, etc.

Organic Chemistry as a Second Language, 5e, by David Klein

Organic Chemistry, 2e, by Clayden, etc.

  • advanced organic chemistry textbook
  • organized by mechanism, different from most traditional orgo textbook
  • molecular orbitals and arrow-pushing mechanism emphasized
  • good for campers to prepare for team selection, not recommended for USNCO preps


Free textbook: Chemistry 2e by OpenStax

Virtual textbook: Organic Chemistry by William Reusch

Virtual textbook: Organic Chemistry by William Reusch

  • free
  • free
  • free

Virtual textbook: Organic Chemistry by William Reusch

Virtual textbook: Organic Chemistry by William Reusch

Virtual textbook: Organic Chemistry by William Reusch

  • Another free organic chemistry textbook to recommend (linked below)
  • Organic Chemistry with a Biological Emphasis Volume I
  • Organic Chemistry with a Biological Emphasis Volume II

Study Guide for Chemistry Olympiad by Dr. Chen

Virtual textbook: Organic Chemistry by William Reusch

Study Guide for Chemistry Olympiad by Dr. Chen

  • call for collaborators
  • no detailed plan yet

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