Metal Ions in Aqueous Solution
BOOK
REVIEWS
Physical Inorganic Chemistry
Michell J . Sienko and Robert A. Plane, hoth of Cornell University, Ithaea, New York. Physical Inorganic Chemistry Series, edited by R. A. Plane and M . J . Sienko. W . A. Benjamin, Inc., 166 pp. Figs. New York, 1963. ix and tables. 16 X 23.5 cm. Cloth, $7; paperbound, $3.95.
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This is the first volume of the Physical Inorganic Chemistry series. The authors indicate that it ~houldserve as a bridge between inorganic chemistry and calculus, elementary physics, and physical chemistry. The book covers five topics: atomic structure, molecular structure, solid state, liquids and solutions, rtnd chemical reactions. I t is suggested as a textbook for a senior course in inorganic chemistry. I t is also ppoesible to use thii book and some, or all, of the other volumes of this series as course material in a more advanced sequence in inorganic chemistry. This approach is not only novel but aLso of great help to the instructor, since it gves him a much wider choice in the selection of course material. For the student, however, it may be rather difficult to understand many of the statements and approaches in some of the chapters (particularly in Chapter 1) unless he has had a
-Reviewed
in this Issue
John P . Hunt, Washington State University, Pullman. Physical Inorganic Chemistry Serieq edited by Robert A. Plane and Michell J . Siako. W . A. Beniamin. Ine.. New York. 1963. xi iza F&S. and t&s. 16 x 23.5 cm. $5.50.
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This hook is intended to be an introduction to research in the area of aqueous solution for curious and skillful inveatigators, as well as a supplementary text for very rigorous two (or better three) semesan advanced inorganic chemistry sequence. ter course in physical chemistry. I t is Dr. Hunt attempts to cover this vast practically impossible to give the student field in seven chapters, with a total of 124 a full understanding of one electron wave p a g e e a n impossible task. The first function, the Hartree-Foch method, chapter compares the chemical properties Slater's Rules, spectrpoecapic states, magof gaseous and aqueous ions. Thia leads netic properties, and electronic spectra in him in Chapter 2 into a discussion of the just 24 pages. thermodynamics of ion hydration, hydraSimilar comments can he made on the tion enthalpies, and entropies. The danother four chapters which are, however, a gers inherent in using single ion values are hit better in this respect. pointed out. Chapter 3 pertains to the I t must be realized that it is extremely structure of water and ionic solutions. difficult, if not impossible, to present a I t includes a discussion and evaluation of self-coneistent picture of five such topics the various models for calculating hydrain about 150 pages. However, the hook tion enthalpies of ions. Crystal Field is written in the lucid style for which effects are discussed briefly. Chapter 4 Sienko and Plane have hecome so well describes hydrolysis and related pheknown. Several of the chapters contain nomena; hoth anionic and cationic spetables which have been compiled from the cies are discussed briefly. In Chapter 5 literature and wbieh should be valuahle the suthor elahorates an the basic confor quick references. Each chapter a180 wpts of ~quiliklriairlvuiving vornplex iom has a list of supplementary references nml nmlrvulee. (:ltupter ti review rather which will be of great help. hricfly swle of the ti~eoretiraland experiThis book will be controversial because mental aspects of ratio and mechanisms. for the physical chemist it lacka rigor, hut Substitution, aquation, and exchange rethis reviewer has found it of great use in action of some complexes are discussed. an undergraduate inorganic chemistry Chapter 7 pertains to electron transfer recome. actious and their mechanism. Each chapter has an excellent set of HANSB. JONASSEN references which, as the author mentions, Tulane University are often essential to a complete underNew Orleans, Lozlisiana standing of 8. particular topic. The hook is very Lucidly written although in many cases some of the necessary details are missing. This hook is recommended for undergraduates interested in thk field.
HANSB. JONASSEN Tulone University New Orleans, Lrmisiana
Michell J . Siako and Robert A. Plane, Physical Inorganic Chemistry John P . Hunt, Metal Ions in Aqueous Solution William N. Lipscomb, Boron Hydrides WiUiam L . Jolly, The Inorganic Chemistry of Nitrogen Gilbert W . Castellan, Phyaied Chemistry D. F. Eggera, Jr., el al., Physical Chemistry Kenneth B . Fiberg, Physical Organic Chemistry Robed M. Silverstein and G. Clayton Basaler, Spectrometric Identification of Organic Compounds Hertha v a Deehend, Justus von Liehig in eigenen Zeugnissen und solchen seiner Zeitgenossen, George T . Rado and Harry Suhl, editors, Magnetism: A Treatise on Modern Theory and Materials. Volumes 1 rtnd 3
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lournol of Chemical Fducofion
Boron Hydrides
Williarn N . Lipscomb, Hamard Univenity. Physical Inorganic Chemistry Series, edited by Robed A. Plane and MizheU J . Sienko. W. A. Benjamin, 275 pp. Inc., New York, 1963. ix Figs. and tables. 16 X 23.5 cm. $14.
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Professor W. N. Lipscomh's book, "Boron Hydrides," is another volume in the Physical Inorganic Chemistry series, m d it is excellent. It is quite fitting that it was published on the thirtieth anniversary of Professor Alfred Storch's hook on horon hydrides. Professor Storch's and Professor Lipscomb's hooks both describe the pioneering work of their authors and both are milestones in this field.
