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
Interested in Chemistry Olympiad Classes for 25–26?
Choose the path that fits you best:
- Self-Study + Diagnostic
Study Honors or AP Chemistry on your own, then take Dr. Chen’s diagnostic tests to determine fall placement. Recommended textbooks - Summer Class with Dr. Chen
Take an intensive AP Chemistry+ or Organic Chemistry Class this summer with Dr. Chen to prepare for Level 2, 3, or 4 Olympiad training in the fall. - Start Now – Self-Paced
Prefer to begin right away? Purchase recordings and materials for Level 2, 3, or 4 from 2024-25 and start learning at your own pace!