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Biocatalysts in organic synthesis
also include phase transitions, chemical reactions, population growth, and economic models. This book introduces non-linear systems, i.e. non-linear oscillations, bifurcation, symmetry breaking, and chaos, to the physicist. It is a clear, thought provoking text-book for physics undergraduates in their final year. The mathematical elements are introduced and motivated by diverse physical applications, and sometimes illustrated by simple experiments. There are many excercises. The author ruminates on the philosophical and sociological implications of the theory, but wisely confines his ruminations by square brackets so that students will know when he is not writing ex cuthedra. Without wishing to detract from my enthusiasm for the concept, spirit, and writing of the book as a whole, I note that the text is not unflawed by misprints and errors of detail. I hope that several physics departments will initiate courses based on the book so that the first impression will be sold out and the flaws soon corrected. P. G. Drazin Miissbauer Spectroscopy and its Applications. By T. E. Cranshaw, B. W. Dale, G. 0. Longworth and C. E. Johnson. Pp. 179. Cambridge University Press, 1986. Hardback f20.00 ($29.951,
Paperback f7.95 ($12.95) Since the discovery by Rudolf M6ssbauer in 1958 of recoil-free nuclear resonance fluorescence, the technique now known as Miissbauer spectroscopy has developed as a powerful method by which many different types of solid materials may be examined in a variety of scientific disciplines. This short book provides a good introduction to Mbssbauer spectroscopy and its application in diverse areas of science. The initial chapters describe the MGssbauer effect, the fundamental principles of M&sbauer spectroscopy, and the instrumentation which is required for the operation of the technique. Then follows a description of the use of the MGssbauer effect for the study of gamma radiation, the testing of various aspects of relative theory, and the assessment of atomic motion in solids. A chapter on hyperfine interactions describes the interactions between nuclei and their electrons which gives rise to the three principal Miissbauer parameters. The second half of the book is concerned with the application of Massbauer spectroscopy in various areas of solid state chemistry, metallurgy, biochemistry, surface science, archaeology, the fine arts, and studies of magnetism and radiation damage. In these chapters the operation of Miissbauer spectroscopy in conventional transmission - and in alternative modes of operation, including backscatter techniques and Miissbauer emission studies - are described and each chapter contains examples which illustrate the special power of Massbauer spectroscopy in each particular application. Although the book is not a competitor to the more comprehensive texts on the
158
theory, practice, and applications of Messbauer spectroscopy, it is written in a very readable way and the cost of the paperback edition makes it a very suitable introductory text for new postgraduate students and research workers wishing to assess the use of Miissbauer spectroscopy in a variety of fields. F. Berry Spectroscopy of Biological Molecules. Edited by A. J. P. Alix, L. Bernard and M. Manfait. Pp. 465. Wiley, Chichester. 1985. f28.00
This book contains a collection of papers from the first European Conference on the Spectroscopy of Biological Molecules in Rheims, France, 1985. The title is perhaps too general, as it is in no way a general introduction or discussion of the subject. However many subfields are covered, with the emphasis on various forms of Raman spectroscopy, such as: micro Raman, resonance enhanced Raman, surface enhanced Raman, and non-linear Raman. Most of these techniques and applications are described in short reviews (invited lectures). Infra-red spectroscopy forms the second largest contribution and can be subdivided into IR, Fourier-transform IR, and total internal reflection IR. Closely related to the above techniques are a number of contributions on vibrational mode analysis of biological molecules. A very small number of contributions on microfluorescence and time-resolved fluorescence are included. In general, this book is useful for scientists working in the field of the spectroscopy of biomolecules, in particular those interested in the theory, instrumentation, and application of Raman and IR spectroscopy. The relatively fast production of the book makes it useful for a, perhaps not too long, period of time in this rapidly progressing field. R. W. Wijnaendts van Resandt
Ion Solvation. By Yizhak Marcus. Wiley, Chichester. 1986. f42.00.
Pp. 306.
Almost thirty years ago, R. P. Bell in an article in Endeuvour stressed the importance of an understanding of ionic hydration because of its influence on a wide variety of processes in physical chemistry, industry, and biology. He predicted that use of spectroscopy (especially NMR) would lead to new insights, and pointed out the paucity of reliable data at that time on solvation by non-aqueous solvents. In this comprehensive and detailed review of ion-solvent interactions, Professor Marcus shows how far the subject has progressed in the intervening years. His monograph provides an in-depth discussion of the statistical and thermodynamic basis, and the structural and kinetic aspects of ion solvation. He begins by considering interactions in the gas phase, and proceeds to cover salvation in aqueous and non-aqueous media, selective solvation in mixtures, and
the effect of ion-ion forces at higher solute concentrations. The final chapter illustrates the application of some of the concepts of ion solvation to a number of chemical processes of theoretical and practical interest. Perhaps the most notable feature of this book is the extensive tabulation of quantitative data on all aspects of the subject.This, together with an excellent index, makes it an invaluable source book, which can be thoroughly recommended to anyone with an interest in electrolyte solutions. C. A. Vincent Biocatalysts in Organic Synthesis. Edited by J. Tramper, H. C. van der P/as, and P. Linko. P. xii + 260. Elsevier, New York and Amsterdam. 1985. $77.75 (Df1.210.00)
The potential use of biocatalysts in organic chemical processing was the subject for a symposium arranged by the European Federation of Biotechnology last year in Noordwijkerhout, The Netherlands. The key question pursued at this meeting was to what extent biocatalysts - enzymes and cells - can be expected to find use in organic chemical processing in general and, in particular, to what extent and in what areas the biocatalysts may be advantageously applied in actual industrial chemical processes. The symposium was exceedingly well attended by experts from industry, technical high schools, universities, and other involved organisations, the contributions from which are now collected in the proceedings of the symposium. These appear as highly worthwhile reading, thanks among other things to the diverse backgrounds of the many contributers. For example, delegates from industry provide the reader with down to earth facts and up to date information on the subject while the most important research aspects are well covered through contributions by academic delegates. The conclusion of the symposium was that biocatalysts must be expected to find an important place in industrial chemical processing. This will be one of the less spectacular applications of the biosciences: in fact, a silent revolution to the benefit of industry, the environment, and the consumer. For anyone with an interest in these matters the book can be recommended. S. Godtfredsen Handbook Solutions. Horwood,
of Aqueous Electrolyte By A. L. Horvath. Pp. 631. Ellis Chichester. 1985. f69.50
There can be very few chemists and chemical engineers who have not spent many frustrating hours searching the chemical literature for some seemingly quite simple property of electrolyte solutions which may be of importance to their work, whether it be academic or industrial. Mr Horvath’s book will go a long way to simplify and alleviate this problem. After a
Paperback f7.95 ($12.95) Since the discovery by Rudolf M6ssbauer in 1958 of recoil-free nuclear resonance fluorescence, the technique now known as Miissbauer spectroscopy has developed as a powerful method by which many different types of solid materials may be examined in a variety of scientific disciplines. This short book provides a good introduction to Mbssbauer spectroscopy and its application in diverse areas of science. The initial chapters describe the MGssbauer effect, the fundamental principles of M&sbauer spectroscopy, and the instrumentation which is required for the operation of the technique. Then follows a description of the use of the MGssbauer effect for the study of gamma radiation, the testing of various aspects of relative theory, and the assessment of atomic motion in solids. A chapter on hyperfine interactions describes the interactions between nuclei and their electrons which gives rise to the three principal Miissbauer parameters. The second half of the book is concerned with the application of Massbauer spectroscopy in various areas of solid state chemistry, metallurgy, biochemistry, surface science, archaeology, the fine arts, and studies of magnetism and radiation damage. In these chapters the operation of Miissbauer spectroscopy in conventional transmission - and in alternative modes of operation, including backscatter techniques and Miissbauer emission studies - are described and each chapter contains examples which illustrate the special power of Massbauer spectroscopy in each particular application. Although the book is not a competitor to the more comprehensive texts on the
158
theory, practice, and applications of Messbauer spectroscopy, it is written in a very readable way and the cost of the paperback edition makes it a very suitable introductory text for new postgraduate students and research workers wishing to assess the use of Miissbauer spectroscopy in a variety of fields. F. Berry Spectroscopy of Biological Molecules. Edited by A. J. P. Alix, L. Bernard and M. Manfait. Pp. 465. Wiley, Chichester. 1985. f28.00
This book contains a collection of papers from the first European Conference on the Spectroscopy of Biological Molecules in Rheims, France, 1985. The title is perhaps too general, as it is in no way a general introduction or discussion of the subject. However many subfields are covered, with the emphasis on various forms of Raman spectroscopy, such as: micro Raman, resonance enhanced Raman, surface enhanced Raman, and non-linear Raman. Most of these techniques and applications are described in short reviews (invited lectures). Infra-red spectroscopy forms the second largest contribution and can be subdivided into IR, Fourier-transform IR, and total internal reflection IR. Closely related to the above techniques are a number of contributions on vibrational mode analysis of biological molecules. A very small number of contributions on microfluorescence and time-resolved fluorescence are included. In general, this book is useful for scientists working in the field of the spectroscopy of biomolecules, in particular those interested in the theory, instrumentation, and application of Raman and IR spectroscopy. The relatively fast production of the book makes it useful for a, perhaps not too long, period of time in this rapidly progressing field. R. W. Wijnaendts van Resandt
Ion Solvation. By Yizhak Marcus. Wiley, Chichester. 1986. f42.00.
Pp. 306.
Almost thirty years ago, R. P. Bell in an article in Endeuvour stressed the importance of an understanding of ionic hydration because of its influence on a wide variety of processes in physical chemistry, industry, and biology. He predicted that use of spectroscopy (especially NMR) would lead to new insights, and pointed out the paucity of reliable data at that time on solvation by non-aqueous solvents. In this comprehensive and detailed review of ion-solvent interactions, Professor Marcus shows how far the subject has progressed in the intervening years. His monograph provides an in-depth discussion of the statistical and thermodynamic basis, and the structural and kinetic aspects of ion solvation. He begins by considering interactions in the gas phase, and proceeds to cover salvation in aqueous and non-aqueous media, selective solvation in mixtures, and
the effect of ion-ion forces at higher solute concentrations. The final chapter illustrates the application of some of the concepts of ion solvation to a number of chemical processes of theoretical and practical interest. Perhaps the most notable feature of this book is the extensive tabulation of quantitative data on all aspects of the subject.This, together with an excellent index, makes it an invaluable source book, which can be thoroughly recommended to anyone with an interest in electrolyte solutions. C. A. Vincent Biocatalysts in Organic Synthesis. Edited by J. Tramper, H. C. van der P/as, and P. Linko. P. xii + 260. Elsevier, New York and Amsterdam. 1985. $77.75 (Df1.210.00)
The potential use of biocatalysts in organic chemical processing was the subject for a symposium arranged by the European Federation of Biotechnology last year in Noordwijkerhout, The Netherlands. The key question pursued at this meeting was to what extent biocatalysts - enzymes and cells - can be expected to find use in organic chemical processing in general and, in particular, to what extent and in what areas the biocatalysts may be advantageously applied in actual industrial chemical processes. The symposium was exceedingly well attended by experts from industry, technical high schools, universities, and other involved organisations, the contributions from which are now collected in the proceedings of the symposium. These appear as highly worthwhile reading, thanks among other things to the diverse backgrounds of the many contributers. For example, delegates from industry provide the reader with down to earth facts and up to date information on the subject while the most important research aspects are well covered through contributions by academic delegates. The conclusion of the symposium was that biocatalysts must be expected to find an important place in industrial chemical processing. This will be one of the less spectacular applications of the biosciences: in fact, a silent revolution to the benefit of industry, the environment, and the consumer. For anyone with an interest in these matters the book can be recommended. S. Godtfredsen Handbook Solutions. Horwood,
of Aqueous Electrolyte By A. L. Horvath. Pp. 631. Ellis Chichester. 1985. f69.50
There can be very few chemists and chemical engineers who have not spent many frustrating hours searching the chemical literature for some seemingly quite simple property of electrolyte solutions which may be of importance to their work, whether it be academic or industrial. Mr Horvath’s book will go a long way to simplify and alleviate this problem. After a