3. General principles of thermodynamiffi (3 chapters, 86 problems). These chapters encompass the calculation of changes in the thermodynamic quantities which are associated with both physical and chemical ohanges. I n treating the thermodynamics of gases special attention is given to the dependence of heat and work quantities on path. 4. Behavior of liquids (1 chapter, 30 problems). The effects of temperature and external pressure on the vapor pressure of liquids are stressed. Capillarity phenomena are lucidly presented by use of the Laplace equation. 5. Solutions ( 2 chapters, 50 problems). Consideration is given to both ideal and real solutions which contain both volatile snd nonvolatile solutes. 6. Gaseous equilibria ( 1 chapter, 23 problems). Examples of equilibrium constant calculations for reactions involving ideal g a s a are thoroughly presented. 7. Phase diagrams (1 chapter, 28 problems). Many types of phase diagrams are discussed. The importance of material balance in the quantitative interpretation of phase equilibrium diagrams is stressed. 8. Partid derivatives. This section is appended to Part 1. Although it admirabF demonstrates the mechanics of partial differentiation,it fails to emphasize the physical meaning of the partial derivative. Part 2. Electrochemistry, Emetics, structure, and bonding. 1. Behavior of ions in solution ( 3
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chapters,
107 problems). The topics include transport properties of ions inan electric field, ionic equilibria, and electrochemiwl cells. The problems are of exceptionally high quality. Not only the teacher of physical chemistry, but the teacher of analytical chemistry will find these chapters quite useful. I n esamples concerned with electrochemical cells the author employs the unusual convention that the oxidation takes place a t the electrode on the left in the galvanic cell as it is written. Hence in certain prohlems the emf of the cell is given a ne~ative value. 2. Chemical kinetics (1 chapter, 25 problems). Many examples stress an empirical approach in the study of reaction rates. Problems are included which treat the method of the unstable intermediate as it is used to elucidate the reaction pathway. 3. Surface chemistry ( 1 chapter, 11 proolems). Special emphasis is given to use of the Gibbs adsorption isotherm. 4. Crystal structure (1 chapter, 16 problems). The examples consider the use of the Bragg equation and Miller indices to determine crystal geometry. 5. Nuclear chemistry (1 chapter, 26 problems). A fine coverage of nuclear energetics and nuclear kinetics is presented 6. Quantum theory (1 chapter, 28 problems). The examples are both ead e n t and instructive; however, their scope is limited. Examples illustrating the importance of perturbation theory and variation theory in quantum mechanics are absent.
resented
7. Group theory (1 chapter, 29 problems). This chapter, unlike the others, is more than tn collection of problems. I t introduces the reader to the rudiment3 of group theory and its chemical implications. The problems are designed specifically to illustrate the fundamental concepts of group theory as they can he applied to chemical problems. Teachers of physical chemistry mill find "Understanding Physical Chemistry" s. source of imaginative, thoughtprovoking examination questions. Serious students, undergraduate and graduate, will discover that "Understanding Physical Chemistry" can solve many of the apparent mysteries inherent in d l classical physical chemistry courses. Professor Adamson is to he complimented on authoring a book that will have a long shelf life. JOHN A. RICKFTTS DePazm Universilr, Greencaslle, Indinna
Progress in Boron Chemistry. Volume 1
H. Steinberg and A . L. McCloskey, U S Borax Research Corp., Anaheim, California. Maemillan Go. Edited by
(a Pergamon Press book), New York, 1964. vii 48i pp. Figs. and tables. 16 X 23.5 cm. $20.
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The perennial need for easy sources of student term-theme material and for enlightenment of teachers in regard to (Continued on page A&)
rapidly developing new fields is being met by numerous books on special subjects, of which one of the most attractive is the extremely varied and often surprising chemistry of boron. The present volume seems to demonstrate t,hat boron would still offer much excitement even if nobody had discovered those famous deviants from classical ideas, the polyboron hydrides. With little emphasis upon those unusual compounds, the book offers much toward the fulfillment of one of the main purposes of modern organoelement chemistry: the jarring of routine minds out of the conventional ruts af classical organic chemistry. All ten chapters have different authors so that their quality and value do vary. The sequence of chapters seems random: a collection of independent reviews. Chapter 1, by R. H. Bratherton, is a thorough guide to the literature of &XI compounds, with only a hrief bit about electron deficient cages such as B.CI The main impression suggests roubine compilat,ion rather than depth of intuition, except, for the aspects closest t,o the direct experience of the author. (Error: p. 62, "nickel pentacarbonyl.") Chapter 2, by T. D. Coyle and F. G. A. Stone, represents a welcome amplification and modernization of St,one's 1958 review of boron acceptor bonding. (F. G. A. Stone, Chem Reu., 58, 101 119581.) I t presents chemical principles and physieachemical aspects quite broadly and offers a. clear guide to the understanding of a. wide range of well chosen literature references. Chapter 3, by G. W . Csmp-
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bell, Jr., summarizes in a compact manner the current ideas about polyboritne structures, with major emphasis on the system most fully described by Lipscomb's book, ( W . N. Lipscomb, "Boron Hydrides," W. A. Benjamin Co., New York, 119631) but with due regard for other ideas as well. Chapter 4, by A. H. Soloway, suddenly deviat,es into an important hut little known application to medicine: the use of boron compounds to localize the BI0 isotope in neoplasms (especially brain tumors) which then can be discommoded by using neutrons to explode this especially susceptible isotope. The writ,ing here is expert but often a. bit technical; for example, not all readers would know that LD. means the dosage that kills half of an animal population. Chapter 5 is by that leading expert on hetaroarornsties, M. J. S. Dewar. The subject has developed very rapidly in recent years m d has not lacked for reviewers, but the present combinetian of significant fsets with modern physicalorganic theory will not he easily excelled. A direrent purpose is served by Chapter 7, wherein the very effective experimentalist R. KWer deals with various types of boron heterocycles, emphasizing modern techniques of synthesis, such as the use of boron hydride catalysts and gas chromatographic or infrared monitoring of products; a t the end there is a good discussion of bicyelic derivatives of dihorane. I n between these chapters one finds Chapter 6, by A. G. Davies, giving a 22 page review of peroxy-boron eompounds
with understanding based mainly upon the longer-known peraxy-hydracsrbons; and afterwards we find Chspter 8, by C. E. H. Bawn and A. Ledwith, on the application of diazoslkanes to alkylation, with boron compounds either as goals or as catalysts. Chapter 9, by K. Torssell, describes recent rapid growth, both east and west of the ferrapolitical curbain, of t,he chemist,ry of RB(OHj, and R2BOH compounds, another subject of more than routine interest from nu organic viewpoint. Finally, Chapter 10, by R. Schaeffer, gives a very useful key to the use and understanding of nuclear magnetic resonance, mostly with the RL1isotope, in the study of boron hydrides and their derivatives. On the whole, this is .z useiul collection of reviews, of interest to 1,esearch workers as re11 as students and teachers seeking broader kno~vledge. ANTONB. BURG l'nrsersity of Southern Californza Los Angeles
Experimental Methods in Gar Reactions
Sir Harry Melville and B. G . Gmuenloek. Maemillan and Co., Inc., Kew York, 1964. viii 464 pp. Figs. and tables. 15.5 X 22.5 em. 81i.
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This completely np-dated revision of F ~ r k a sand Melville r i l l he welcomed (Contirn~adon page 44861
