Description
The Third Edition of Symmetry and Structure: Readable Group Theory for Chemists builds on the foundation of the second edition presenting all aspects of group theory relevant to chemists. By using a diagrammatical approach and demonstrating the physical principles involved in understanding group theory the book provides a non-mathematical, yet thorough, treatment of this important topic. This new edition has been fully revised and updated to enhance its accessibility. It focuses on the applications and concepts of group theory, rather than the detailed mathematics associated with the subject. The mathematical appendix has been written at an accessible level and character tables have been given a pictorial interpretation in order to offer a deeper insight into the nature of irreducible representations. * pictorial representation of character tables * large number of diagrams and tables for ease of reading and to enhance student understanding * problems and summaries included in each chapter * all the applications of group theory covered are applied to the water molecule initially to enable greater student understanding important topics normally regarded as ‘advanced’, such as complex characters, spherical symmetry, double groups (odd-electron systems), spin-orbit coupling and space groups are presented in a readable but insightful manner Contents. Preface to Third Edition. Preface to Second Edition. Preface to First Edition. 1-Theories in conflict. Introduction. The ammonia molecule. 2-The symmetry of the water molecule. 3- The electronic structure of the water molecule. 4-Vibrational spectra of the water molecule. 5-The D2h character table and the electronic structures of ethene (ethylene) and diborane. 6-The electronic structure of bromine pentafluoride, BrF5. 7-The electronic structure of the ammonia molecule. 8-The electronic structures of some octahedral molecules. oint groups and their relationships. 10-Tetrahedral, icosahedral and spherical symmetries. 11-Electron systems. 12 The group theory of electron spin. 13-Space groups. 14 Spectroscopic studies of crystals. Appendix 1 Groups and classes: definitions and examples. Appendix 2 Matrix algebra and group theory. Appendix 3 Character tables of the more important point groups. Appendix 4 The fluorine group orbitals of p symmetry in SF6. APPENDIX 5 The Hermann-Mauguin notation. APPENDIX 6 Non symmorphic relatives of the point group D2. Further reading. Index.
