BOOK REVIEWS various experimental techniques, how ta determine reaction order, and then how one might postdate a mechanism. The relationship with the theory of overvoltage section is intimate. The largest part of the last half of the work is given to results of experiments and their discussion. Inevitably, the hydrogen evolution reaction is very extensively covered but many other reactions are mentioned. Examples are drawn almost exclusively from inorganic chemistry. The references cited in this edition are
probably essentially the same as those in the 1961 edition. A quick casual look uucovered only three entries postdating 1961. The book is not a good source far recent literature references. The subject index consists of only four pages. I t is difficult to see how this meagre section might be of much assistance. But, heeause of the general o r g a nizatian of the work. this is likelv " ta he an impediment mostly to the newcomer in the field.
Mechonirmr of lnorgonlc Reoctionr-A Study of Metol Complexes in Solution
Fred Basolo and Ralph G . Pewson, both of Northwestern University. 2nd ed. John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York, 701 pp. Figs. and June, 1967. xi tables. 15.5 X 23.5 em. $17.95.
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There are some books which are classics in their field and the 1958 edition of this book has proved t o he one. I n this r e viewer's opinion the new edition will also J. F . WALLING fall into this category. Brstlelle Mernm'al Institute The authors, as indicated by the title, Columbus,Ohio have restricted their coverage to metal ions and complexes in solution with emphasis on reaction mechanism. This they have done well, in a clear precise manner with well chosen material and leading the reader to a new fresh excitement about futurestudies in this area. Most of the strong points of the original edition have been retained with more recent examples illustrating the ideas presented, and new sections have been added in areas which have been receiving increased attention. The illustrations have been modified and improved. The second edition places more emphasis onligand field and molecular orbital theory while retaining an excellent description of the crystal field approach to bonding. Mare emphasis has also been placed on the evaluation of kinetic studies which have become more available and precise in recent years. New sections on phatochemistry and template reactions have been provided and about ninety pages devoted to organornetallies including olefin and carbonyl complexes, ligand migration studies, and homogeneous catalytic hydrogenation. The section on metal ion catalysis describes some established examples in this area but does not go into detail on the fundamental mechanistic questions which need description. The chapter on oxidation-reduction reactions has been expanded considemhly, reflecting the activity in this field in the last ten years. The theories and experimental results are well combined and lead one t o the conclusion that there is hope for theoretical predictions of reaetionrates. The chapters on substitution reactions on octahedral and square planar complexes contain descriptions of many new investigations which have been used t o extend the understanding of the mechanisms. At many points the results of rapid-reaction kinetic techniques which contribute significantly t o a mechanistic understanding have been added. The chapter on stereo-chemical changes in octahedral complexes contains a wealth of information on the stereochemical reaction products of Co(lI1) and a few other metal ion complexes. Octahedral isomerization and linkage isomerization are very well covered. The hook is well documented with s e lected references st the end of each chapter which are referred to in the text. An author and subject index is also provided whiehis extremely helpful. The section on mechanisms of inorganic reactions will be of value to research ~~
(Continued on page A148)
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B O O K REVIEWS chemists and teachers workiug iu the area of coordination compounds and transition metal ion chemistry. I t s main value lies in the discussions of the present state of knowledge, the organization of material often difficult to find, and the excellent selected references. Those possessing the first edition will find this edition even more valnable. As a text on the graduate level it should he widely used. It is written in a style excellently sliited for teaching. I t contains more than m n be throughly covered in a single course, but it would not be difficult to select chapters or sections for study without losing rontim~ity. .Uthough mare expensive than the earlier edition, the expanded content, quality of paper, print,ing, and binding make it a better value than most being sold today. R. KENTMURUINN
Gmalinr Handbuch der Anorganischen Chemie. 8. Auflage, System Nummer 16, Phosphor. Formel-vnd Schlogwortregister
Edited b y E. H. E. Pielsck xnd the Grnelin Instilute. Verlag Chemie, GmbH, Weinheim, Bergstrase, 1967. ii 210pp. 17.5 X 25.5 cm. $30.
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Bath a formula and an alnhaberical this index. The fimt section has s ~ m m a t i o nforrnolas in alphabetical sequence. Under each sr~mnmtionformula are listed the structnral formulas fur eaoh individual compound and a. reference is given t,o the nppropriate page of the phosphorim volume. The alphabetical name index is given in two languages. One section uses German spellings listed in alphabetical order am1 gives the page reference. A second i;ectian liits the compoonds by their English spellings dong with the proper page citation. JANET B. V:\K DOREN College 41 Wooster M'ooster, Ohio
New Volumes in Continuinr Series Advmnrer in Electrochemistry and Electrochemirol Engineering. Volume 5, Electrochemiral Engineering
Edited by Charles W. Yobias, University of California, Berkeley. Series editors, Pad Delahay, New 1-ork University, New York, and Charles W. Tobias, University of Cnlifurnia, Berkeley. Interscience Publishers (a division of John Wiley & Sons, Inc.), New York, 1967. xi 323 pp. Figs. and tables. 16 X 24 em. $14.50.
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Contributors: A. Brenner; K. If. Go> bunova; G. J. Jane; Paul C. Rlilner; J. Newman; Yu. M. Polukarov; R. I). Reeves; Upton B. Thomas.
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