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Introduction to advanced inorganic chemistry
J.inorg. nucI.Chem. 1971.Vol.33, p.607. PergamonPress. PrintedinGreatBritain
BOOK REVIEW Introduction to Advanced Inorganic Chemistry. Edited by P. J. D U R R A N T and B. DU RRANT. 2nd Edn. Longman, 1970. p. x i v + 1228. THE FIRST edition appeared in 1961 ; for the second edition, the book has been added to, modified, and revised Notably, there is a new chapter on Group Theory. Formerly, Valence Bond theory was favoured for relating molecular structure and electron wave properties. Equal regard is now paid to the Molecular Orbital and Valence Bond theories; a brief account of Linnett's theory is also added. While recognising the value of the M.O. theory in the interpretation of the structure of metals, and of certain molecules and groupings of molecules, the authors prefer to use the V.B. model when hybridised orbitals lead easily and visually to the structure. The scope of the thirteen theoretical chapters (379 pages) is indicated by their titles: Wave Mechanics and Quantum Theory; Quantum Numbers and Atomic Orbitals; Periodic Table and Atomic Spectra; Symmetry and Group Theory; Valency; Directed Valence; Metallic Bond; Molecular Spectra (1) and (2); Raman, Microwave, and Magnetic Resonance Spectra; Determination of Internuclear Distances by Diffraction of X-rays, Electrons, and Neutrons: Dipole Moments, Electronegativity, Bond Lengths, and Bond Energies; Crystal Structures. The theoretical examination of these topics can be understood by readers without mathematics beyond the calculus, deliberately it leaves few unsubstantiated mathematical statements. An attraction is the integration of the topics and the selfcon sistency of the presentation. The remaining fifteen chapters (818 pages), describing the elements and their compounds, take account of the advances of the last decade. Treatment of the transition elements has been modified: a general chapter which looks at magnetism, crystal and ligand-field theories, stabilisation energy and other matters provides an effective introduction to the subject. Discussion of the elements (whether normal or transition) is strongly structurally oriented; however, much other information is included. Some of this is displayed in tables and diagrams. The text is clearly written and the diagrams well conceived and executed, the more complicated structures being so well drawn that their interpretation is immediate and easy. Thermodynamics, kinetics and nuclear chemistry are omitted. This is reasonable because the authors clearly intend their book to expose the theoretical basis of valency, molecular structure and solid structure as they occur in inorganic chemistry and to give a detailed discussion of the elements in which special attention is paid to the bonding displayed. In this purpose the authors have succeeded; indeed, they have provided a valuable addition to the didactic literature of chemistry. P. L. ROBINSON
607
BOOK REVIEW Introduction to Advanced Inorganic Chemistry. Edited by P. J. D U R R A N T and B. DU RRANT. 2nd Edn. Longman, 1970. p. x i v + 1228. THE FIRST edition appeared in 1961 ; for the second edition, the book has been added to, modified, and revised Notably, there is a new chapter on Group Theory. Formerly, Valence Bond theory was favoured for relating molecular structure and electron wave properties. Equal regard is now paid to the Molecular Orbital and Valence Bond theories; a brief account of Linnett's theory is also added. While recognising the value of the M.O. theory in the interpretation of the structure of metals, and of certain molecules and groupings of molecules, the authors prefer to use the V.B. model when hybridised orbitals lead easily and visually to the structure. The scope of the thirteen theoretical chapters (379 pages) is indicated by their titles: Wave Mechanics and Quantum Theory; Quantum Numbers and Atomic Orbitals; Periodic Table and Atomic Spectra; Symmetry and Group Theory; Valency; Directed Valence; Metallic Bond; Molecular Spectra (1) and (2); Raman, Microwave, and Magnetic Resonance Spectra; Determination of Internuclear Distances by Diffraction of X-rays, Electrons, and Neutrons: Dipole Moments, Electronegativity, Bond Lengths, and Bond Energies; Crystal Structures. The theoretical examination of these topics can be understood by readers without mathematics beyond the calculus, deliberately it leaves few unsubstantiated mathematical statements. An attraction is the integration of the topics and the selfcon sistency of the presentation. The remaining fifteen chapters (818 pages), describing the elements and their compounds, take account of the advances of the last decade. Treatment of the transition elements has been modified: a general chapter which looks at magnetism, crystal and ligand-field theories, stabilisation energy and other matters provides an effective introduction to the subject. Discussion of the elements (whether normal or transition) is strongly structurally oriented; however, much other information is included. Some of this is displayed in tables and diagrams. The text is clearly written and the diagrams well conceived and executed, the more complicated structures being so well drawn that their interpretation is immediate and easy. Thermodynamics, kinetics and nuclear chemistry are omitted. This is reasonable because the authors clearly intend their book to expose the theoretical basis of valency, molecular structure and solid structure as they occur in inorganic chemistry and to give a detailed discussion of the elements in which special attention is paid to the bonding displayed. In this purpose the authors have succeeded; indeed, they have provided a valuable addition to the didactic literature of chemistry. P. L. ROBINSON
607