Resources

recommended textbooks

General chemistry:

Chemical Principles by Steven Zumdahl

• Great book to start learning general chemistry

Chemical Principles by Peter Atkins

• The most complete, detailed general chemistry book
• Involves a bit more math than Zumdahl; may be a bit difficult for those just beginning to learn chemistry
• Great for Local and National Exam preparation

Organic chemistry:

Organic Chemistry by David Klein

• Great book to start learning organic chemistry
• Easy to self-teach
• Great for National Exam preparation

Organic Chemistry by Jonathan Clayden

• Much more detailed than Klein
• One of the best, most comprehensive textbooks covering all of a college organic chemistry course
• Great for study camp and IChO preparation

Analytical chemistry:

Fundamentals of Analytical Chemistry by Douglas A. Skoog

• Great book to start learning analytical chemistry
• Great for study camp and IChO preparation

Physical chemistry:

Physical Chemistry by Peter Atkins

• Great book to start learning physical chemistry
• Great for study camp and IChO preparation

Physical Chemistry: A Molecular Approach by Donald A. McQuarrie

• One of the best advanced and in-depth physical chemistry books
• Not necessary for Chemistry Olympiad, but great for future studies

Inorganic chemistry:

Inorganic Chemistry by Catherine Housecroft

• Great book to start learning inorganic chemistry
• Theoretical chapters are great for study camp and IChO preparation
• Qualitative inorganic chapters are usually not necessary for study camp or IChO

other websites

Dr. Steven Chen's USNCO website