Choosing a chemistry textbook can feel like deciding between a quick reference and a full semester of background reading. For students who need a resource that explains not just the formulas but the reasoning behind them, the hardcover edition of *Chemistry: Structure and Properties* by Nivaldo J. Tro presents a serious option. Published by Pearson Education in 2017, this is a substantial, 1152-page book built for learners who want structure before they jump into problem-solving.
Quick Verdict
This textbook earns its place on a shelf if you're seeking a thorough, concept-first approach to general chemistry. At USD 75.00, it's a significant purchase, but the sheer scope of the content-over a thousand pages of structure, properties, and reactions-makes it a candidate for a primary course companion or a long-term reference. The catch? The copy currently listed is in acceptable condition, so be prepared for visible wear.
Who It Suits
*Chemistry: Structure and Properties* is best for students enrolled in a college-level general chemistry sequence, particularly courses that emphasize conceptual understanding before mathematical application. Tro's style is known for connecting molecular behavior to observable properties, which suits learners who dislike rote memorization and prefer answering "why" before "how." It's also a strong fit for self-studiers who have the time to work through dense chapters.
If you're looking for a lightweight review guide or a quick glance at formulas, this 103.9-ounce hardcover is not that. It's a textbook in the classic sense-big, detailed, and meant to be read with a pencil in hand.
What Stands Out from the Listed Details
The most obvious strength is completeness. With 1152 pages, the book covers a wide arc of chemistry topics, from atomic structure to chemical properties, and each chapter is written to build on the previous one. The 2017 edition is recent enough to align with modern teaching approaches, and Pearson's production quality typically includes clear diagrams and worked examples.
Another practical detail: the book's dimensions (11.2 inches long, 10 inches wide, and 2.1 inches thick) make it a standard large-format textbook. That's expected for the category, but it's worth knowing because it affects portability. This is not a book you'll slip into a backpack without noticing.
Meaningful Trade-Offs
The listed price of USD 75.00 puts it in the mid-range for college textbooks. While that's lower than many new hardcovers, this specific copy is described as acceptable condition. That means the cover and pages may show wear, highlighting, or notes from a previous owner. If you need a pristine copy for a strict professor or plan to resell it later, that condition is a real limitation. If you only need the content for personal study, the wear might be a fair trade for the price.
Also consider the physical weight: 103.9 ounces, which is roughly six and a half pounds. Carrying this around every day is a workout. It works better as a home-desk reference or a book you keep in your study space rather than one you haul to every class.
Bottom Line
For students who want a deep, concept-driven chemistry textbook and don't mind some wear on the cover, this hardcover edition of *Chemistry: Structure and Properties* offers substantial content for USD 75.00. It's not the lightest or most portable option, but the depth of material justifies its size. If you prefer crisp, unmarked pages or need a book that fits in a small bag, this isn't it. But if you're ready to read carefully and learn thoroughly, it's a solid companion for your chemistry course.
Chemistry: Structure and Properties by Tro (hardcover)
This is the product at the center of the review. Published by Pearson in 2017, the hardcover runs 1152 pages and covers the fundamentals of chemistry with an emphasis on structure and properties. The ISBN is 9780134293936, which is useful for confirming you're getting the correct edition when comparing with other sellers. The book is written in English and in acceptable condition, so expect some signs of previous use. At USD 75.00, it's a substantial investment in your education, and its depth makes it a reasonable choice for a full course-or even bedside reading for the truly dedicated chemist.
