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The authors have naturally paid most ,. ~ ~ , :L . ~ 7 ..:~ .... -,.:.,. LL... ~~
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tuE. Itefiable' tempeiatu;; d e t i r m d tions are important but difficult even in equilibrium gases. During the approach to equilibrium there are the additional and intriguing complications of trying to decide exactly what is being measured. The authors' o m work has shown, for example, that in a dilute mixture of Na in N2 the excitation of electronic states of Na follows the vibrational rather than the transllational temperature of the N.. On the other hand the discussion of such closely related topics as the kinetics of high temperature chemical reactions receives much less attention from the authors. Gaydon and Hurle's book may be compared with two other hooks which have approximately the same objectives. I t is in many ways intermediate between Wright's very short book and Bradley's longer and more theoretically oriented one. Many chemists will find that Gaydon and Hurle provide a helpful introduction to the study of processes in shock waves. E. F. GREENE Brown Uniuersity Pmdence, Rhode Island
Physical Methods in Heterocyclic Chemistry. Volumes 1 and 2
Edited by A. R. K a b i t z k Cambridge University, England. Academic Press, Inc., New York, 1963. Volume 1, xi 346 pp. Figs. and tables. 16 X 23.5 em. $12. Volume 2, xi 398
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$14.
Subtitled "A Comprehensive Treatise in Two Volumes," this monograph aims a t reviewing the application of certain physical methods to the structure elueidation of heterocyclic compounds. In the belief that existing treatments on the use of physical methods do not cover heterocycles adequately, the editor and a group of sctive researchers have prepared detailed reviews an seven different physical measurements as applied to heterocyclic systems. In addition, two further chaoters on ohvsical measurements included, as well as a chapter on the theory of chemical reactivity in heterocycles. With the acceptance of the specialized monograph as a valuable stimulus to research workers. one can only sigh over the demands which ouhlishe& orace on institutional and personal hook purchasing funds. The success of such books will be determined by their utility to researcher and to the budding On this basis the two edited b~ Dr. Katritzky much which for the series. it be stressed that the not jntend to much theoretical and experimental background on the physical methods considered; a g plimtions m e the keynote. Nor can the
A1 26 I lournof of Chemical Education
reader readily form a critical, comparative ....
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h e ' criticaTy, .as reveaied by ultravioiet, infrared, NMR, NQR spectra and dipole momenta, one must undertake an original correlation of data spread throughout the two volumes. Another point of concern is the use of the word "comprehensive" in the monograph's subtitle. Does this banish such topics as thermochemistry, reaction kinetics, mass spectrometry, and colligstive properties to a scientific limbo? Surely their inclusion is as defensible as some of the present topics. Finally, it could be argued strongly that the application of quantum m e o h m i d ooncepts to heterocycles (chapter on heteroaromatic reactivity) is not really a physical method. A greater emphasis on kinetic information here would seem more in keeping with the experimental vantage point. of this series. However, Dr. Ridd does portray the ferment and exoitement in this theoretical area in a critical, well-written fashion. Beoause of the wealth of data which they tabuls,te tend correlate, the chapters on ionization constants, electrochemistry and those on ultraviolet, infrared and NMR spectroscopy are valuable and unique treatments. The other chapters will encounter much serious competition from existing monographs which offer greeter experimental and theoretical detail. These volumes can be recommended to the research chemist or graduate student whose research involves the physical characterization of nitrogen- sulfur- or oxygen-containing heterocycles (chemists striving vith rings containing other heteroatoms will feel neglected). Presupposing a grasp of the theoretical principles underlying the method, in most cases, and of experimental execution, the discussions presented here show what structural and reactivity conclusions can he drawn from physicd measurements. Although the quality of the printing and binding of the monograph is high, inevitably so is the price. JOHNJ. EISCH The Catholic University of America Washington, D. C.
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