What is the sweetest compound? Where is the largest chemical plant? To what extent can chemical bonds be bent? How many tons of fertilizer are being produced worldwide? The answers to these questions and many others can be found in this well written informative kaleidoscope of top performances in chemistry.The excellent mixture of superlatives from research and industry makes the book very difficult to put down and will help chemical laymen as well as experts to gain a better insight into the wonders of chemistry, its immense efficiency, and significance for our day-to-day life.

"... this is a marvelous book... A focus on records ... is actually a wonderful way to engage the interest of the chemistry student and professional, and of the general public."

Roald Hoffmann, Nobel Prize Winner

"This isn't a textbook, and it isn't a novel. Instead it is a source book for all chemists, giving us ideas we can use in teaching and in presentations, and it is also a book that should fascinate young students who want a feeling for the chemical world. Finally, ... it should serve as an inspiration to Beat That Record.?"

Ron Breslow, Former President of the American Chemical Society