Symmetry and Structure: Readable Group Theory for Chemists

Building on the foundation of the Second Edition, Symmetry and Structure: Readable Group Theory for Chemists, Third Edition turns the complex and potentially difficult subject of group theory into an accessible and readable account of this core area of chemistry. By using a diagrammatical approach and demonstrating the physical principles involved in understanding group theory, the text provides a non-mathematical, yet thorough, treatment of this broad topic. This new edition has been fully revised and updated to include a much more three-dimensional and accurate visualization of many of the key topics. The chapter on octahedral molecules is extended to cover the important topic of the ligand field theory of octahedral transition metal complexes. Problems and summaries are included at the end of each chapter, the book provides detailed answers to frequently asked questions, and numerous diagrams and tables are featured for ease of reading and to enhance student understanding. Symmetry and Structure: Readable Group Theory for Chemists, Third Edition is an essential textbook for all students, researchers and lecturers in chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, physics and material science.

Table of Contents:
Preface to Third Edition. 1. Theories in Conflict. 2. The symmetry of the water molecule. 3. The electronic structure of the water molecule. 4. Vibrational spectra of the water molecule. 5. D2h character table and the electronic structure of ethene (ethylene) and diborane. 6. The electronic structure of bromine pentafluoride, BRF5. 7. The electronic structure of the ammonia molecule. 8. The electronic structure of some octahedral molecules. 9. Point groups and their relationships. 10. Tetrahedral, icosahedral and spherical symmetries. 11. Electron systems. 12. The group theory of electron spin. 13. Space groups. 14. Spectroscopic studies of crystals. Appendix 1. Groups and classes: definitions and examples. Appendix 2. Matrix algebra and group theory. Appendix 3. Character tables of the more important point groups. Appendix 4. The fluorine group orbitals of symmetry in SF6. Appendix 5. The Hermann-Mauguin notation. Appendix 6. Non-symmorphic relatives of the point group D2. Index.

About the Author :
Professor Sidney Kettle. Retired, formerly Professor of Inorganic Chemistry, University of East Anglia, UK.

Review :
"I like this book. I'll use it next time around." (Journal of Chemical Education, July 2010)