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Molecular structure by diffraction methods, vol. 6
340
The section on the synthesis of Chrysenes I found disappointing; of some 25 major methods of ring synthesis only about 8 are given. It is not enough to refer the reader to Cl&s book “Aromatic Hydrocarbons” (1964), since several methods are more recent. The remainder of the sections on the higher fused carbocyclic systems I found very interesting, and the Editor is to be commended for striking the correct balance between the systems of different types. It should be emphasised that this volume of Rodd is well up to the general
high standard of the series. Every self-respecting and adequately funded library should possess this set of books: it bridges the gaps between the generalities of a text-book of organic chemistry and the fine-print of Beilstein and the sadly truncated Elsevier Encyclopaedia. P. H. G.
Molecular
Structure
by Diffraction
Methods,
Sutton and M. R. Truter, Specialist Periodical London, 1978, pp. x + 338, price E33.00.
Vol. 6, Senior reporters L. E. Report,
The Chemical
Society,
This report has been radically
reorganised compared to its predecessors. The first chapter is devoted specifically to the results from neutron diffraction; the next two deal with conformational energies of discrete molecules and the use of this information in predicting crystal structures. The use of automatic diffractometers in the rapid collection of data is emphasised since it has led to a great increase in the determinations of structures concerning two or even more molecules in the asymmetric unit, the results for conformational studies being particularly valuable. Intermolecular interactions of the hydrogen bonding type are mentioned in almost all chapters and covered exclusively in the chapter on neutron diffraction. Interactions other than hydrogen bonding are dealt with separately. The X-ray work covered includes information on macro-molecules including mono-, oligo- and poly-saccharides, nucleic acids and silicates as well as proteins. A major change in the organisation of the electron diffraction chapter has increased its value since more technical information is now included. This chapter contains a section commenting on the proper use of structural information derived from theoretical calculations which is currently a subject of controversy. The increasing importance of molecular mechanics calculations is, however, recognised by the inclusion of two chapters covering the use of force fields, particularly in conformational problems. The general chemist faced with the problem of discovering information on molecular structures, particularly in the solid state, faces a formidable task. The most useful chapter provides a chemist’s guide for this formidable undertaking and is therefore very welcome; in particular, the invaluable pioneering work at the Cambridge crystallographic data centre is described. As always, this volume should be bought by all libraries and specialists working in the field
W. J. O.-T.
The section on the synthesis of Chrysenes I found disappointing; of some 25 major methods of ring synthesis only about 8 are given. It is not enough to refer the reader to Cl&s book “Aromatic Hydrocarbons” (1964), since several methods are more recent. The remainder of the sections on the higher fused carbocyclic systems I found very interesting, and the Editor is to be commended for striking the correct balance between the systems of different types. It should be emphasised that this volume of Rodd is well up to the general
high standard of the series. Every self-respecting and adequately funded library should possess this set of books: it bridges the gaps between the generalities of a text-book of organic chemistry and the fine-print of Beilstein and the sadly truncated Elsevier Encyclopaedia. P. H. G.
Molecular
Structure
by Diffraction
Methods,
Sutton and M. R. Truter, Specialist Periodical London, 1978, pp. x + 338, price E33.00.
Vol. 6, Senior reporters L. E. Report,
The Chemical
Society,
This report has been radically
reorganised compared to its predecessors. The first chapter is devoted specifically to the results from neutron diffraction; the next two deal with conformational energies of discrete molecules and the use of this information in predicting crystal structures. The use of automatic diffractometers in the rapid collection of data is emphasised since it has led to a great increase in the determinations of structures concerning two or even more molecules in the asymmetric unit, the results for conformational studies being particularly valuable. Intermolecular interactions of the hydrogen bonding type are mentioned in almost all chapters and covered exclusively in the chapter on neutron diffraction. Interactions other than hydrogen bonding are dealt with separately. The X-ray work covered includes information on macro-molecules including mono-, oligo- and poly-saccharides, nucleic acids and silicates as well as proteins. A major change in the organisation of the electron diffraction chapter has increased its value since more technical information is now included. This chapter contains a section commenting on the proper use of structural information derived from theoretical calculations which is currently a subject of controversy. The increasing importance of molecular mechanics calculations is, however, recognised by the inclusion of two chapters covering the use of force fields, particularly in conformational problems. The general chemist faced with the problem of discovering information on molecular structures, particularly in the solid state, faces a formidable task. The most useful chapter provides a chemist’s guide for this formidable undertaking and is therefore very welcome; in particular, the invaluable pioneering work at the Cambridge crystallographic data centre is described. As always, this volume should be bought by all libraries and specialists working in the field
W. J. O.-T.