book reviews Editor: W.
F. KIEFFER
College of Wooster Woator, Ohio
Inorganic Chemistry: Principles of Structure and Reactivity
James E. Huheey, University of Mawland. Harper & Row, Publishers, New York, 1972. xvi + 737 pp. Figs. and tables. 26.5 X 18.5 cm. $15.95. The study of inorganic chemistry has enjoyed a phenomenal growth in recent years, however with this growth the field has not enjoyed an abundance of good textbooks. Some of the more familiar books are almost encyclopedic and thus are rather long as well as expensive for a one semester course. Professor Huheey has presented inorganic chemists with a delightful book and one that this reviewer feels will be a valuable teaching aid. Certainly the author of this review is now showing his bias for the subject in that the choice of topics and the order of presentation of the material is mast agreeable. Professor Huheey has presented an excellent introduction to the structure of the atom followed by a very clear discussion of ionic and covalent banding. Following the bonding chapter he treats acids and bases in aqueous and nonaqueous systems. The next section of the book deals with coordination chemistry in a most interesting and informative manner. This is the best introduction to coordination chemistry that the author of this review has seen as the introductory level. Following coordination chemistry, Professor Huheey treats organometallic compounds and inorganic chains, rings and cages. Two brief e h a ~ t e r sfollow on halogen and noble gases and the lanthanide, 'actinide and transactinide elements. At this paint Prafessor Huheey deviates in a most unusual way in that he treats periodicity. The reason he gives for this delayed introduction is most interesting. The following quote is taken from the Preface: "This is not because I feel this chapter is unimportant but rather that it is too important to introduce s t a point a t which the reader does not have sufficient perspective to ap-
preciate the 'fine structure' of the periodic table." The hook is concluded with some examples of inorganic ions in biological systems. Some of the strong points which this book has to offer include: a most delightful style of prose frequently offering analogies to explain difficult ideas; a very liberal documentation of rather current references to original articles, reviews and hooks;.relatively few errors with a n attractive format and exeellent drawings and diagrams. The primary weakness that this reviewer found with this book is both with the selection and the number of problems a t the end of each chapter. The selection appears t o he particularly spotty in that some sections are illustrated with several problems while many other sections have no problems. One can not really argue with the number of problems since this would tend to increase the size of the book but in several instances a few more from whieh to select would have been welcome. This reviewer can without reservation recommend this hook for a one-semester course in advanced inorganic chemistry. and.it would not have to he supplemented to any great extent to be an excellent hook for a two-semester course.
. .
William A. Deskin
Cornell College Mount Verooo. Iowa 52314
Contemporary Organic Chemistry
Stephen J . Weininger, Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Holt, Rinehart and Winston. Inc., New York, 1972. xiv + 778 pp. Figs. and tables. 19 X 24 cm. $14. The author of this hook has pushed forward the tradition of innovative organic texts. Several elements are welded togeth-
- Revie wed in This Issue James E. Huheey, Inorganic Chemistry: Principles of Structure and Reactivity Stephen J Weininger, Contemporary Organic Chemistry Melvin S. Nezumon, An Adpneed Organic Laboratory Course
. . .A379 . . . A379 . . .A319
J . A. Joule and G. F. Smith, Heterocyclic Chemistry
. . . A380
Dauid J Williams, Polymer Science and Engineering
. . .A380
William L. Jolly, Encounters in Experimental Chemistry
. . .A381
Arthur W Adomson, Understanding Physical Chemistry, 2nd Edition Glenn T. Seaborg, Nuclear Milestones New Volumes in Continuing Series
er t o achieve this end. Instead of only adding new material, the author has used careful selection. Modern techniques and theories are included in early chapters or where they shed light on the material being discussed. Topics such as the Woadward-Hoffmann N ~ Sand the Hammett equation which are often reserved for advanced courses are introduced also. All, however, are intergrated through the liberal use of atomic and molecular orbitals and properties as well as thermodynamic and kinetic insights. Biochemical applications of the subject under discussion are emphasized a t many points in the book rather than being collected together a t the end. The effectiveness as a text will be clear: only in class use, but some cominents are in order. The material seems to work together and he well developed. This is done in a little over 750 pages, much more tersely than in other leading texts. The instructor may want to allow more time than usual per chapter. They are loaded. The problems will help the stronger students. The selection and order of the topics seem to follow a well calculated plan. The prospective instructor would be well advised to study the fairly detailed table of contents or the entire text. Supplementary problems to help students learn the simpler material may he needed. The book is attractive and well executed. It will be a n exciting challenge for good students, especially those interested in the applications of organic chemistry to biochemistry. For others, success may depend on the pace set by the instructor. Students who use this text should be well prepared for subsequent courses. Instructors seekine a contemoorarv text will want to give &eful consideration to this one.
. . A381 ' . . . A381
. . .A381
An Advanced Organic Laboratory Course
Meluin S. Newman, Ohio State University. The MacMillan Co., New Yark, 1972. xvi + 229 pp. Figs. and tables. 24 X 16 cm. $10.95. Organic chemists have long awaited a good laboratory textbook which contains procedures and techniques far relatively complex experiments. "An Advanced Organic Laboratory Course" by Professor Melvin S. Newman will answer this need for many chemists. The book contains 12 chapters which range from experiments on purification methods to complex syntheses. The latter include Clemmensen, Walff-Kischner, and electrochemical reductions, photalysis, organometallic reagents, ozonization, and reactions in liquid ammonia. The value of the hook lies in the detailed presentation af procedures with suggestions from the author's experience. Such practical information as where to
(Continued on page A380J Volume 50. Number 7, July 1973
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