With the appearance of Volume 11, Advances in Physical Organic
Chemistry enters the second decade of its life. Many exciting developments
of the subject have taken place since the publication of the
first volume. It is a matter of some pride to be able to state that the
contents of the first ten volumes have not only reflected these
advances but, in many cases, have pointed the way and had a seminal
influence on later work.
Over the same period, Physical Organic Chemistry has become
“respectable”, as is shown by the titles of several books and by the
institution of professorships and other academic appointments in the
sub.ject. The value of physical organic methods has become widely
appreciated in industry. Biennial International Conferences on Physical
Organic Chemistry have been started under the auspices of the
International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry, who have also
appointed a Commission on Physical Organic Chemistry.