Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google


Revised Organic Chemistry Text to Be Free Online via OpenStax

  • By Kate Lucariello
  • 08/12/22

Cornell professor emeritus John McMurry’s 10th edition of his bestselling textbook Organic Chemistry will be published by Rice University’s OpenStax open educational resource program next year, according to information released by the university. The textbook, which could normally cost students hundreds of dollars, according to OpenStax, will be available to students for free online, thanks to its alliance with original publisher Cengage Learning.

McMurry’s son, Peter, died in 2019 after struggling for years with cystic fibrosis. “If Peter were still alive, I have no doubt that he would want me to work on this 10th edition with a publisher that made the book free to students,” McMurry said. “To make this possible, I am not receiving any payment for this book, and generous supporters have covered not only the production costs but have also made a donation of $500,000 to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation to help find a cure for this terrible disease.”

The textbook has been used by over a million students in its first nine editions, according to OpenStax. “It is widely recognized for its scholarship, precise explanations, innovative illustrations and applications for pre-med, allied health, biology, chemistry and related majors.” McMurry’s 10th revision will include “scientific updates, an enhanced visualization program, new problems and timely applications,” the press release said. OpenStax will publish the text in its newest digital platform, using Cengage WebAssign and Aktiv Chemistry courseware programs.

““Textbook prices represent a significant cost barrier to student participation in STEM education,” said David Powers, associate professor of chemistry at Texas A&M University. “The inclusion of the McMurry text in the OpenStax platform represents a high-quality option that will significantly benefit our organic chemistry students.”

Organic Chemistry will be available for Fall 2023 courses. This will be the 16th textbook Cengage has published among OpenStax’s library of 57 free, openly licensed titles. To learn more, visit the company’s education portal.

About the Author

Kate Lucariello is a former newspaper editor, EAST Lab high school teacher and college English teacher.

Featured

  • large group of college students sitting on an academic quad

    Student Readiness: Learning to Learn

    Melissa Loble, Instructure's chief academic officer, recommends a focus on 'readiness' as a broader concept as we try to understand how to build meaningful education experiences that can form a bridge from the university to the workplace. Here, we ask Loble what readiness is and how to offer students the ability to 'learn to learn'.

  • Abstract futuristic background with blurry glowing wave and neon lines

    Microsoft Intros 'Cowork' Feature for Copilot, AI Updates

    Microsoft has announced a trio of AI updates, spanning Microsoft 365 Copilot, Security Copilot and Microsoft Foundry.

  • Abstract speed motion blur in vibrant colors

    3 Ed Tech Shifts that Will Define 2026

    The digital learning landscape is entering a new phase defined by rapid advances in artificial intelligence, rising expectations for the student experience, and increasing pressure to demonstrate quality and accountability in online education.

  • glowing crystal ball with network connections

    Tech Outlook 2026: What Higher Ed Tech Leaders Expect this Year

    We asked higher education technology leaders for their predictions on how the tech landscape will change for colleges and universities in the coming year. Here's what they told us.