Recommended Textbooks
Carefully selected resources for every level of Chemistry Olympiad preparation.
Introductory Chemistry
by Nivaldo J. Tro
6th Edition • Pearson
Recommended for students with no chemistry background to self-study before taking Level 2. An accessible introduction that builds foundational concepts with real-world applications.
- Perfect for students new to chemistry
- Clear, engaging writing style with everyday examples
- Builds problem-solving skills from the ground up
- Excellent self-study resource before starting USNCO prep
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Chemistry
by Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
11th Edition • Cengage Learning
The classic general chemistry textbook used in AP Chemistry and college courses. Excellent for building a strong foundation in chemical principles.
- Clear explanations of fundamental concepts
- Strong coverage of thermodynamics and equilibrium
- Excellent problem sets with varying difficulty
- Well-organized progression from basics to advanced topics
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Organic Chemistry
by David R. Klein
4th Edition • Wiley
Known for its student-friendly approach to organic chemistry. Excellent for building mechanistic thinking skills.
- Clear, conversational writing style
- Strong emphasis on understanding mechanisms
- SkillBuilder exercises for active learning
- Great for students new to organic chemistry
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Chemical Principles
by Peter Atkins, Loretta Jones, Leroy Laverman
8th Edition • W. H. Freeman
A rigorous treatment of chemistry from a physical chemistry perspective. Essential for students aiming for Study Camp and beyond.
- Deeper theoretical foundation than standard gen chem texts
- Excellent coverage of thermodynamics and quantum concepts
- Bridges general chemistry to physical chemistry
- Prepares students for advanced competition topics
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Organic Chemistry
by Jonathan Clayden, Nick Greeves, Stuart Warren
2nd Edition • Oxford University Press
The gold standard for advanced organic chemistry. Comprehensive and rigorous treatment of mechanisms and synthesis strategies.
- Exceptional mechanism explanations with curved arrows
- Deep coverage of stereochemistry and conformational analysis
- Advanced synthesis planning and retrosynthetic analysis
- Essential for Study Camp organic chemistry preparation
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Chemical Structure and Reactivity
by James Keeler, Peter Wothers
2nd Edition • Oxford University Press
An integrated approach combining organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry perspectives. Excellent for understanding structure-reactivity relationships.
- Unified treatment across chemistry subdisciplines
- Strong focus on molecular orbital theory
- Bridges theory and practical reactivity
- Ideal for advanced IChO-level preparation
Analytical Chemistry 2.1
by David Harvey
DePauw University
A free, open-access analytical chemistry textbook covering modern analytical techniques. Essential for understanding instrumentation and quantitative analysis at the IChO level.
- Completely free and open-access online resource
- Comprehensive coverage of analytical techniques
- Includes spectroscopy, chromatography, and electrochemistry
- Excellent for IChO analytical chemistry preparation
How to Use These Resources
Match Your Level
Start with books marked for your current level. Multi-level books grow with you.
Focus on Problems
Reading alone isn't enough. Work through the problems in each chapter.
Ask Questions
Bring challenging concepts to class sessions for discussion with Dr. Chen.
Need Guidance on Where to Start?
Our programs include guided reading schedules and chapter-by-chapter assignments.