Mass spectrometry: techniques and applications

I70 been to devote a separate section to each reaction, the sequence of the subsections being identical. For each reaction the relevant thermodynamic data are tabulated for temperatures up to 5000 K, where possibIe. All the experimental rate data have been presented graphically, in their original forms, as well as previously recommended values. The data are also tabulated; together with references,brief descriptians of the methods used in their determination and any pertinent comments. The most vaiuable subsection for each reaction is undoubtedly the critical discussion of the reported rate data and the authors’ reasons for recommending values of the rate parameters which are, in their words, “most consistent with the available experimental rate determinations and the thermodynamic data”. In the past a number of compilations of kinetic rate data have been published, usually covering a large range of chemical reactions, which have been almost completely uncritical. Although very useful these still leave a lot to be done by the reader. This series, which may bruise a few egos in passing, provides an urgentiy needed reference base for workers entering or already engaged in this particuiar field. As such it is worth much more in saved time and effort spent in one’s library than its monetary value. This reviewer, while not forgetting the important point that everyone will have his own ideas as to the reliability of any particular piece of experimentaf data, hopes that the instigators of this project, or others, wiII try and extend the approach to other areas of kinetics. J. H. L. Muss Specfrornetry: Techiqrres ami Applications, edited by G. W. A. MILNE, Wiley-Interscien~e, London and New York, 1971, pp_ xf 521, price .611.75. This book is a collection of critical reviews of various areas of organic mass spectrometry. It is intended for use by those familiar with the general principles of the technique. The initial seven chapters deal with techniques and the remaining five with applications of mass spectrometry to problems in medicine, chemistry and biochemistry. Included are articles on automatic acquisition and processing of data, computer assisted interpretation of mass spectra, photographic techniques, electrical recording of magnetically scanned mass spectra, gas chromatographymass spectrometry, application of art&al intelligence to spectra interpretation and newer ionization techniques. Further chapters discuss the use of stable isotopes, peptide chemistry, mechanism studies of fragmentation pathways, metastabte transitions and the application of mass spectrometry to problems in medicine and biochemistry. The articles are written by acknowledged experts and are recommended as initial source reading for the application of mass spectrometry to organic and biochemistry and aIso medicine. Scientists aiready active in these fields wiIl find much to interest them. D. P.