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Principles of organic mass spectrometry
BOOK Principles HOWE.
of Organic
McGraw-Hill,
103
REVIEWS
Mass Spectrometry. By DUDLEY H. WILLIAMS AND IAN New York, 1973. 245 pp. $15.00.
The main objective of this relatively small book (245 pages) is to explain the basic concepts of formation and “reaction” of the positive ions in a mass spectrometer. The explanations are aimed primarily at the organic chemist who would use mass spectrometry for structure elucidation, This basic material (preceded by a succinct chapter on instrumentation) is covered under the following chapter headings: ionization and energy transfer, metastable ions, the quasi-equilibrium theory, and energetics of decompositions. A subsidiary objective is to provide the organic chemist with a summary of the “relationship between fragmentation pattern and structure” in a chapter so titled. Additional information is provided in short chapters: isotopic labeling, collision processes, field ionization, ion structures, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and use of the computer in mass spectrometry. Within the strictures of space set for themselves, the authors have done a magnificent job. The writing is uncluttered, and the figures are clear and abundant. Pitfalls and limitations are delineated, and the beginner is thoroughly disabused of the notion that a molecule is neatly dissected into bits characteristic of all members of its class, ready for facile reassembly. On the other hand, the extraordinary power of the tool, properly applied, is suggested in numerous examples. R.
Determination
M.
SILVERSTEIN,
of pH. Theory
College
and Practice.
of Environmental Science Syracuse, New
By R. G.
BATES.
& Forestry, York 13210
Wiley, New York,
1973. vii + 479 pp. $19.95. 2nd edition. In the more frivolous jargon of Hollywood circles, Roger Bates undoubtedly would sail under the name “Mr. PH.” He has devoted several decades of intensive work to the theoretical and practical aspects and problems of all facets of acidity. Among numerous publications resulting, a book that appeared in I954 may be singled out: “Electrometric pH Determinations.” It soon became THE reference work for anyone seeking information on background and know-how related to pH. Ten years later much material was added and an even more indispensable volume appeared: Determination of pH. Another enlargement and updating has been necessary and has led to the second edition at hand. It is rare that one person is able to master both theory and practice to such an astounding degree. This mastery paired with a good hand for writing makes a very readable style and brings even difficult topics to a quite ready grasp. Especially elucidating is the treatment concerning philosophy, necessity and establishment of the operational definition and scale of pH. Acidity and pH are concepts that are of importance to more and more fields of science and it becomes increasingly difficult to make all the realms equally broad and exhaustive. While sections have been enlarged and added (e.g., those on glass electrodes, acidity concepts in nonaqueous media, or precision measurement on biochemical systems), others had to be modified and reduced as that on the description of commercial instruments. However, where a representative of a special discipline may consider his particular questions somewhat short-answered he will find the copious literature citations of great help. The new volume will again be the foremost reference work like its forerunners and even more so. Proofreading was seemingly done with great care and the make of the book fits well with the overall excellence. H. FLASCHKA,
School
of Chemistry,
Georgia
institute
of Technology,
Atlanta,
Georgia
30332
of Organic
McGraw-Hill,
103
REVIEWS
Mass Spectrometry. By DUDLEY H. WILLIAMS AND IAN New York, 1973. 245 pp. $15.00.
The main objective of this relatively small book (245 pages) is to explain the basic concepts of formation and “reaction” of the positive ions in a mass spectrometer. The explanations are aimed primarily at the organic chemist who would use mass spectrometry for structure elucidation, This basic material (preceded by a succinct chapter on instrumentation) is covered under the following chapter headings: ionization and energy transfer, metastable ions, the quasi-equilibrium theory, and energetics of decompositions. A subsidiary objective is to provide the organic chemist with a summary of the “relationship between fragmentation pattern and structure” in a chapter so titled. Additional information is provided in short chapters: isotopic labeling, collision processes, field ionization, ion structures, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and use of the computer in mass spectrometry. Within the strictures of space set for themselves, the authors have done a magnificent job. The writing is uncluttered, and the figures are clear and abundant. Pitfalls and limitations are delineated, and the beginner is thoroughly disabused of the notion that a molecule is neatly dissected into bits characteristic of all members of its class, ready for facile reassembly. On the other hand, the extraordinary power of the tool, properly applied, is suggested in numerous examples. R.
Determination
M.
SILVERSTEIN,
of pH. Theory
College
and Practice.
of Environmental Science Syracuse, New
By R. G.
BATES.
& Forestry, York 13210
Wiley, New York,
1973. vii + 479 pp. $19.95. 2nd edition. In the more frivolous jargon of Hollywood circles, Roger Bates undoubtedly would sail under the name “Mr. PH.” He has devoted several decades of intensive work to the theoretical and practical aspects and problems of all facets of acidity. Among numerous publications resulting, a book that appeared in I954 may be singled out: “Electrometric pH Determinations.” It soon became THE reference work for anyone seeking information on background and know-how related to pH. Ten years later much material was added and an even more indispensable volume appeared: Determination of pH. Another enlargement and updating has been necessary and has led to the second edition at hand. It is rare that one person is able to master both theory and practice to such an astounding degree. This mastery paired with a good hand for writing makes a very readable style and brings even difficult topics to a quite ready grasp. Especially elucidating is the treatment concerning philosophy, necessity and establishment of the operational definition and scale of pH. Acidity and pH are concepts that are of importance to more and more fields of science and it becomes increasingly difficult to make all the realms equally broad and exhaustive. While sections have been enlarged and added (e.g., those on glass electrodes, acidity concepts in nonaqueous media, or precision measurement on biochemical systems), others had to be modified and reduced as that on the description of commercial instruments. However, where a representative of a special discipline may consider his particular questions somewhat short-answered he will find the copious literature citations of great help. The new volume will again be the foremost reference work like its forerunners and even more so. Proofreading was seemingly done with great care and the make of the book fits well with the overall excellence. H. FLASCHKA,
School
of Chemistry,
Georgia
institute
of Technology,
Atlanta,
Georgia
30332