BOOK
REVIEWS
Fundamentals of Physical Chemistry
H . D. Crockjwd and Samuel B . Knight, Professors of Chemistry, University of North Carolina. John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York, 1959. xvii 463 pp. Figs. and tables. 15 X 22 em. $6.95.
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This text is a revision of one published earlier by the authors, "Fundamental I'rinciples of Physical Chemistry for Premedical Students" (J. CHEM.EDUC., 27,695 (1950)). The new edition is more attractive, with a new oover design (blue replacing the familiar Wiley red), higher quality paper, and type which is easier to read. The illustrations have been improved, and several have been added, including some: from the physical chemistry lab text by the senior author and J. W. Nowell. There have been minor changes in the selection of problems. None of the chapters of the previous edition have been deleted. The chapter on radiochemistry has undergone major revision, with more advanced material replacing most' of the elementary principles covered in the previous edition. Three new chapters on thermndynamics have been added, increasing the length of the text by a, hundred pages. As with most such texts deeigned for students of premedicine, biology, eta., if one assumes the usual me-reouisites uf g c n w ~ lc l ~ c m i ~ r:,mi ~ y qu.di~.ttiwand q w m i l n t i \ r :~~:Jv.~is, rot~iicbrdtly rqw~
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titive material might have been omitted. Revision of the chapter on radiochemistry is an improvement, hut the material on ionic equilibria. and colorimetry, to cite specific examples, continues to be of questiomhle value as it stands. Acidbase equilibrium is discussed from the classical standpoint, with virtually no attempt to introduce the simplifying eoncepts of the Bydnsted-Lowry theory in explaining hydrolysis, etc. Material on the solubility of sparingly soluble salts is restrioted to instances where no hydrolysis of the ions occurs, and no mention is made of complex ion formation, The authors have iemoved a -serious deficiency of the previous edition by the addition of the section on thermodynamics. I t is unfortunate that their effort has not met with more success. The section often gives the impression of being s, patchwork of isolated facts, lsoking the necessary continuity for such a complex topic. This reviewer considers that the material is also presented out of order. It follows chemical equilibrium and emf, probably the two topics of the text where the application of thermodynamics is most needed to give an intelligent approaoh. If the student is to appreciate thermodynamics he must use it as a tool. There are several instances in the text where confusion may arise. Discussions of Dalton's law and methods of expressing solution composition are carried out
without the adoption of any symbol for mol fraction, but during the description of steam distillation the familiar symbol ' 8 ,, x appears without delinition. The same symbol is used two pages later in a statement of Raoult's law in such a manner that the student msv wonder whether i t is t o be identified with the condensed or vapor phase. In the discussion of free energy (pp. 298-9) a 1 malal solution of AgCl is considered. A word concerning the hypothetical nature of such a system would be useful here, especially since the authors have previously shown (p. 192) that AgCl is a sparingly soluble salt. Some items of personal preference are of interest. The authors continue to separate the material on ionic redox systems from the chapt,er on emf proper, introducing s. lack of oontinuity to these two aspects of the same phenomenon. Equilibrium constants are first considered in relation to reaction rates despite the well documented evidence that such an approach is generally not valid. While the authors have recognized this fallacy, one wonders why such an approaoh cannot a t this level be eliminated. I n ionic equilibria the hydronium ion of the previous edit,ion has been replaced by H'. Typographical errors are few: h has slipped in for y in equation 3-5 with reference to surface tension; units of the second order rate constant of example 17-3 are devoid of concentration units; the uuits of Table 1 8 2 disagree with those of Figs. 18-3 and 1&4. This newer edition will undoubtedly, like its predecessor, be widely adopted. The fact that this is probably one of the most acceptable texts in this field, along with that of Brey (J. CHEMEDUC., 35, 530 (1958)) in the reviewer's opinion, is ample evidence of the need for a, better selection of texts in the field. Students are capable of handling a more mature approach to the subieot.
E. L.HERIC University qi Georgia Alhens The Determination of Moleculat Structure
P . J. Whealley. Oxford University
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263 pp. Press, New York, 1959. vi Figs. and tables, 14.5 X 22 cm. $5.60. "The book is designed t o give an introductory survey of the main physico-chemical methods that have been devised for the determination of molecular structures.'' The author has eminently succeeded in this gigantic undertaking. The book is not intended to he a, detailed treatise on any or all of the various methods, but to provide the advanced undergraduate and graduate student with an acquaintance and moderate understanding of the methods, their theoretical hbasis, their soope and limitations, and their reliability. Experimental techniques are discussed only briefly, and long mathematical derivations have been omitted; the reader is asked to accept their results. The book begins with a chapter of symmetry in which the basic principles of symmetry operations are discussed and developed into the paint-groups. Hermann-
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Journol o f Chemical Education
Manguin notation is used throughout, but is usually supplemented by Schoenflies notation. The matter of symmetry is t,sken up again in a later chapter as a discussion of space groups. Beyond this first chapter, the book is divided into three parts dealing, respectively, with speotroscopic, diffraction, and miscellmeous methods. The spectroscopic methods are divided into separate discussion8 on rotation and vibration-rotation spectra. I n the part on diffraction methods, separate chapters deal with electron and neutron diffraction, while three chapters are concerned with X-ray diffraction, dealing in particular, separstely, with the theorv, and the determinations of symmetry and of molecular parameters. The miscellsnoous methods treated are stereochemistry, dipole moments, magnetic methods, and N.M.R. The hook is well written, is clear and readable. I t appears quite appropriate as an introductory text if one desires to discuss means of obtaining information about molecular structure, without interest in discussion of other information obtained by the techniques. The methods are well illustratttcd by specific examples taken from the recont literature, mostly of the last fiveor ten years.
indicates some of the biochemical functions of this fascinating substance, which must be regarded as the mast important sulfur compound yet discovered. The book will furnish valuable and stimulating reading to research workers in organic sulfur chemistry. I t might well find use, dong with duvigneaud's classic, "A Trsil of Research," as a starting point for special reading for seniors in ohemistry, who are interested in things biochemical or in the mechanism of organio reactions.
of the metals is changed only in the introductory paragraphs to fit the different order in which the elements are discussed. For a review of the previously published text, "College Chemistry," see THIS JOURNAL, 26, 51 (1958). "General Chemistrv" is therefore a
tive analysis. The factor method of solving problems is used throughout the text and many D. S. TARBELL solved problems are included. The sysUniversity ojRochester tem of nomenclature used in the text is Roehestw, New York that recommended by the IUPAC. On the whole, the text is well organized, well written, and adequately illustrated. In the opinion of this reviewer, the Introduction to Qvantit~tiveAnalysis presentation of the theoretical principles Walter Wagner and George J . Shiple, such as atomic structure, kinetic theory, both of the University of Detroit. Unietc., is such that this text would be hest versity of Detroit Press, Detroit, Michisuited for a terminal type course, rather gan, 1959. v 150 pp. Figs. 16 X than one for students who later take ad23.5 cm. $3. vanced courses inchemistry. I t would not challenge students who have had a suThis small book of 150 lithoprinted perior high school course. pages was written to appeal especially to F. B. SCAIRMER, JR. pre-professional students (pre-medical, Clemson College pcdental, etc.) who can devote only a Clemson, South Carolina limited amount of time (usually one or two hours of lecture and three to six hours of H. H. JAFFE laboratory) for the study ol quantitative analysis. The authors say it will help the University of Cincinnati Basic Physics of Atoms and Molecules beginner by giving him the essentiak in a Cincinnati, Ohio concentrated form and avoiding those deU . Fano and L. Fano, Physicists, tails which are unnecessary for him a t this National Bureau of Standards. John point. Wiley & Sons, Ino., New York, 1959. Aspects of the Organic Chemislry of The book covers the usual scheme of xv 414 pp. Many figs. 16 X Sulphur beginning quantitative sndysis with 23.5 em. $10. theory, laboratory experiments, questions, F~ederick Challenger, Emeritus ProThis is a very interesting and expertly and problems. It is well written in simple fessor of Organic Chemistry, University written book that should be extremelv language and might well be used by a perof Leeds. Academic Press, Ino., New valuable for physical chemists, but it is son on a self-study plan as well as for class 253 pp. 14.5 X 22 York, 1959. vii hard to see how i t could be used as a textuse. There are eight titrations and two cm. 57.50. book. It is, something of a compromise gravimetric determinations. The present volume consists of a. number between a t,ext on atomic physics and one Perhaps due t o its oanciseness, some of reviews on various topics in the field of on elementary quantum mechanics. The statements in the theory and directions sulfur chemistry, with particular emphasis atmosphere is distinctly experimental, seem dictatorial and do not permit much on the chemistry and biochemistry of some though the language is theoretical. The choice of thought or action for the student, important sulfur-containing compounds. unique feature seems to be an unusually and a few statements might even be chalProfessor Challenger has been a distindetailed, hut elementary, quantum melenged. There are about a dozen errors, guished worker in the isolation and identimostly typographical, in the text. Figure chanioal analysis of a number of basic fication of naturally occurring sulfur comexperiments in atomic physics. 2,4 shows a Reco Neutrs-Stat but the use pounds, and in the first chapter he disThe book should be read by chemists of such a device is not given in the text. cusses some of the chemistry of the thiols, already familiar with introductory atomic Lours A. PAPPENHAGEN physics and quantum meehmics. There disulfides, sulfides, and sulfide-containing Mount Union College acids. This chapter contains a considercrtn be no question that it will then be a Alliance, Ohio able amount of the useful experimental very significant help in deepening the information which a research worker aoreader's understanding of the physical quires after long experience in a field, and ~ignificanceof the mathematical formawhich is unfortunately not published in lism of quantum mechanics. General Chemistry detail, in most eases, in research papers. L. HILL TERRELL The second chapter discusses nitturally William H. Nebergall and Frederic C. University of Oregon oocurring thiols, sulfides, sulfaxides, sulSchmidt, both of Indiana University. Eugene fanium compounds, and sulfide-containD. C. Heath & Co., Boston, 1959. ing amino acids. Sulfur compounds of viii 723 pp. Figs. and tables. 19 X petroleum are covered in the next chapter, 23.5 om. $7.50. which also contains a vduable discussion Organic Chemistry "General Chemistry" by Nebergall and of the Raney nickel desulfurization proSchmidt is essentially the same text as Melvin J. Aslle and J . Reid Shelton, cedure. The fourth chapter reviews the "College Chemistry" by the same authors. Professors of Organic Chemistry, Case currently very active field of the mustard As statedin the preface, it differs from the Institute of Technology. 2nd ed. oil glucosides and the related isothiolatter "in that the study of the metals is Harper & Brothers, New York, 1959. oyanetes. organized according to the periodic table x + 771 pp. 16.5 X 24 em. $7.50. Chapter five gives a very interesting rather than the qualitative analysis scheme account of the field in which Challenger The organization of the book is convenand the section on qualitative analysis had made the most striking experimental tional in that aliphatic and aromatic comhas been omitted." The only differences contributions, that of biological methylapounds are treated separately, and paraffin noted in the first 32 chapters of the two hydrocarbons are the first class of combooks are changes in tables and figures. pounds to be discussed. In the second ediThe text of the chapters on the chemistry
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Volume
36,
Number
12, December 1959
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637
