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Nonaqueous electrolytes handbook. Vol. 2
BOOK Conformational Press,
New
Properties
York.
1973.
113
REVIEWS
of Macromolecules.
By A. J. HOPFINGER,
Academic
x + 339 pp. $24.50.
There appear to be more and more scientists with the daring and the know-how to apply rather complex calculations to the conformational analysis of large molecules and polymers. The incredibly rapid advances made in computer technology no doubt play an important role in this rather new field of research. The book here reviewed is concerned with such calculations and tion to the “Molecular Biology” series. The author introduces us pects of initiating a study aimed at a definition of the conformation His approach is detailed enough to allow a novice (admittedly with ical background) to plan his research keeping in mind the limitations
is a welcome addito all important asof large molecules. a decent mathematof the approaches
as well as the practicability of certain approaches to such problem. While. in principle, rigorous nonempirical (cth initio) quantum chemical methods can be applied to study any and all problems considered in this book. such a method has to date been applied only to the simplest ones. Certainly the semiempirical methods advocated by the author, for the moment, serve as the only practical approach to the solution of the problems outlined in the book. The chapters include 1. definition and generation of macromolecular geometries: 2. conformational energys and potential function calculations (including nonbonded, electrostatic, induced dipole, torsional, hydrogen bonding, bond angle and bond length distortion potential functions along with a brief description of semiempirical quantum mechanical approaches), approaches to calculation of the interaction of solvent with the polymer, calculations of conformational entropy; 3. accuracy and refinement of the classical potential functions: 4. conformational transitions in macromolecules. a rationalization of experimental data with calculations; 5. application of the classical potential energy calculations to an explanation of other experimental results such as those from absorption and optical rotation. epitaxial crystallization, NMR. conformational fluctuations observations. The]-e are also two appendices one on the empirical nonbonded potential function between ions and atoms the other on the “detailed balancing approach to equilibrium properties of linear chains.” While the author’s approach is broad enough, the recent advances in organic conformational analysis employing similar functions (but highly refined) by Allinger and others are not mentioned nor could any reference be found to the numerous theoretical studies of nucleic acid conformations. This volume is most useful to the researcher concerned with theoretical conformzltional analysis of macromolecules and should be available in most libraries since with its up-to-date (1972) reference collection it would he an invaluable literature search aid for anyone in the field. Of particular interest is the substantial ical attempts to calculate solute-solvent
Nonaqueous R. P. T. This volume
Electrolytes
TOMKINS.
Handbook.
Academic
second volume brings work of “Nonaqueous
section devoted interactions.
Press,
Vol. New
2. York,
to a discussion
Edited 1974.
by
G.
of the theorct-
J.
xiii + 933
to completion the authoritative and Electrolytes Handbook.” It is intended
JANZ pp.
up-to-date, to provide
AND $60.00. twoquick
114
BOOK
REVIEWS
and easy access to tabulated nonaqueous electrolyte data. It includes data for inorganic, organic, and organometallic solutes in some 3 10 of single nonaqueous and mixed nonaqueous-aqueous and nonaqueous-nonaqueous solvent systems. In brief, the volume consists of I1 well-defined areas: solubilities of electrolytes: EMF and potentiometric titration; vapor pressures; cryoscopy: heat of solution calo-rimetry: polarography: ligand exchange rates and electrode reactions; electrical double layer; spectroscopy and structure of electrolytes; organic electrolyte battery systems; and additional references and data sources. Throughout the book, the authors have surveyed and compiled extensively from both earlier studies and the more recent contributions. However, for nonaqueous polarography and potentiometric titrations, the emphasis has been placed only on the more recent literature owing to the relatively vast number of publications since I Y40. Moreover, as an aid to researchers, the final section presents additional data sources, reviews, and references that were received too late for inclusion in the earlier sections. In format, there is a brief introduction in each section describing the method of presentation of material and the effective use of the tabulated information. In each classification or category, the information is always arranged alphabetically either in solvents or in solutes. In each table, additional information pertinent to the main electrolyte data such as concentration of solutes used, temperature, experimental conditions, measuring techniques, related references, etc., are also provided. In addition, bibliographies for the related area are given at the end of each section. A total of some 2 100 references, covering the literature to 1973, has been cited. A complete compound index, subdividing into two groups of solvent and solute, is also included. On the whole, the many authors are to be congratulated on having successfully done an excellent job summarizing and compiling such a great number of electrolyte data in nonaqueous solvent systems. This handbook will therefore certainly be considered as a very important and invaluable reference source of information on nonaqueous electrolyte solutions. Besides. like other existing handbooks of physics and chemistry, it will be very useful to all phases of sciences. The university, industry, government labordtories: scientific research institutions: libraries; and information analysis and data centers should keep one copy on the shelves for convenient and permanent use. GEORGE W. C. HUNG,
Medical
The Utlivcrsity of Tc~nnc.t.sw. Units, Memphis. Tcnnr.tsc,r 38163
Catalysis and Enzyme Action. By MYRON L. BENDER AND LEWIS J. BRLJBACHER. McGraw-Hill, New York 1973. xiv + 210 pp. $5.95 ($3.95 in paperback). This is the seventh in a series designed to bridge the gap between chemistry and biology for students at the elementary college level. As such it does well. although an undergraduate biology major might find it rough sledding in spots. Following an introduction are chapters on enzymes as catalysts: catalysis involving acids and bases: metal-ion catalysis: catalysis by nucelophiles and electrophiles; and the basis of enzyme action. After each chapter, there are a few selected references for supplementary reading. The book has a good index and is free from errors. In the chapter on enzymes as catalysts, it is unfortunate that the authors did not use all the approved Chrmicul Abstracts abbreviations for the amino acids. However, the undergraduate student in both biology and chemistry will find it very useful.
New
Properties
York.
1973.
113
REVIEWS
of Macromolecules.
By A. J. HOPFINGER,
Academic
x + 339 pp. $24.50.
There appear to be more and more scientists with the daring and the know-how to apply rather complex calculations to the conformational analysis of large molecules and polymers. The incredibly rapid advances made in computer technology no doubt play an important role in this rather new field of research. The book here reviewed is concerned with such calculations and tion to the “Molecular Biology” series. The author introduces us pects of initiating a study aimed at a definition of the conformation His approach is detailed enough to allow a novice (admittedly with ical background) to plan his research keeping in mind the limitations
is a welcome addito all important asof large molecules. a decent mathematof the approaches
as well as the practicability of certain approaches to such problem. While. in principle, rigorous nonempirical (cth initio) quantum chemical methods can be applied to study any and all problems considered in this book. such a method has to date been applied only to the simplest ones. Certainly the semiempirical methods advocated by the author, for the moment, serve as the only practical approach to the solution of the problems outlined in the book. The chapters include 1. definition and generation of macromolecular geometries: 2. conformational energys and potential function calculations (including nonbonded, electrostatic, induced dipole, torsional, hydrogen bonding, bond angle and bond length distortion potential functions along with a brief description of semiempirical quantum mechanical approaches), approaches to calculation of the interaction of solvent with the polymer, calculations of conformational entropy; 3. accuracy and refinement of the classical potential functions: 4. conformational transitions in macromolecules. a rationalization of experimental data with calculations; 5. application of the classical potential energy calculations to an explanation of other experimental results such as those from absorption and optical rotation. epitaxial crystallization, NMR. conformational fluctuations observations. The]-e are also two appendices one on the empirical nonbonded potential function between ions and atoms the other on the “detailed balancing approach to equilibrium properties of linear chains.” While the author’s approach is broad enough, the recent advances in organic conformational analysis employing similar functions (but highly refined) by Allinger and others are not mentioned nor could any reference be found to the numerous theoretical studies of nucleic acid conformations. This volume is most useful to the researcher concerned with theoretical conformzltional analysis of macromolecules and should be available in most libraries since with its up-to-date (1972) reference collection it would he an invaluable literature search aid for anyone in the field. Of particular interest is the substantial ical attempts to calculate solute-solvent
Nonaqueous R. P. T. This volume
Electrolytes
TOMKINS.
Handbook.
Academic
second volume brings work of “Nonaqueous
section devoted interactions.
Press,
Vol. New
2. York,
to a discussion
Edited 1974.
by
G.
of the theorct-
J.
xiii + 933
to completion the authoritative and Electrolytes Handbook.” It is intended
JANZ pp.
up-to-date, to provide
AND $60.00. twoquick
114
BOOK
REVIEWS
and easy access to tabulated nonaqueous electrolyte data. It includes data for inorganic, organic, and organometallic solutes in some 3 10 of single nonaqueous and mixed nonaqueous-aqueous and nonaqueous-nonaqueous solvent systems. In brief, the volume consists of I1 well-defined areas: solubilities of electrolytes: EMF and potentiometric titration; vapor pressures; cryoscopy: heat of solution calo-rimetry: polarography: ligand exchange rates and electrode reactions; electrical double layer; spectroscopy and structure of electrolytes; organic electrolyte battery systems; and additional references and data sources. Throughout the book, the authors have surveyed and compiled extensively from both earlier studies and the more recent contributions. However, for nonaqueous polarography and potentiometric titrations, the emphasis has been placed only on the more recent literature owing to the relatively vast number of publications since I Y40. Moreover, as an aid to researchers, the final section presents additional data sources, reviews, and references that were received too late for inclusion in the earlier sections. In format, there is a brief introduction in each section describing the method of presentation of material and the effective use of the tabulated information. In each classification or category, the information is always arranged alphabetically either in solvents or in solutes. In each table, additional information pertinent to the main electrolyte data such as concentration of solutes used, temperature, experimental conditions, measuring techniques, related references, etc., are also provided. In addition, bibliographies for the related area are given at the end of each section. A total of some 2 100 references, covering the literature to 1973, has been cited. A complete compound index, subdividing into two groups of solvent and solute, is also included. On the whole, the many authors are to be congratulated on having successfully done an excellent job summarizing and compiling such a great number of electrolyte data in nonaqueous solvent systems. This handbook will therefore certainly be considered as a very important and invaluable reference source of information on nonaqueous electrolyte solutions. Besides. like other existing handbooks of physics and chemistry, it will be very useful to all phases of sciences. The university, industry, government labordtories: scientific research institutions: libraries; and information analysis and data centers should keep one copy on the shelves for convenient and permanent use. GEORGE W. C. HUNG,
Medical
The Utlivcrsity of Tc~nnc.t.sw. Units, Memphis. Tcnnr.tsc,r 38163
Catalysis and Enzyme Action. By MYRON L. BENDER AND LEWIS J. BRLJBACHER. McGraw-Hill, New York 1973. xiv + 210 pp. $5.95 ($3.95 in paperback). This is the seventh in a series designed to bridge the gap between chemistry and biology for students at the elementary college level. As such it does well. although an undergraduate biology major might find it rough sledding in spots. Following an introduction are chapters on enzymes as catalysts: catalysis involving acids and bases: metal-ion catalysis: catalysis by nucelophiles and electrophiles; and the basis of enzyme action. After each chapter, there are a few selected references for supplementary reading. The book has a good index and is free from errors. In the chapter on enzymes as catalysts, it is unfortunate that the authors did not use all the approved Chrmicul Abstracts abbreviations for the amino acids. However, the undergraduate student in both biology and chemistry will find it very useful.