Liquid Crystals: The Fourth S t a t e of Matter i.exrures are
illustrated and reviewed brietlv
lular and subcellular structures are presented in a format which emphasizes the relationship between the maemscopic appearance and itsmolecular components. Following the intmductory chapters (1-7), I he authurs eraohicallv illustrate subcellular
ings. The optical properties corresponding tu the supramolecular architecture in the organelles show striking similarities to the textures spontaneously assumed by 1i~;uid crystalline fluids. The text concludes with some medical applications of liquid crystals (e.g., thermography) and a review of the implicatiuns for this phase in some diseases (arterioselerusis, siekel cell anemia, etc.). The bulk of this text is admittedly intruductwy in nature and researchers in liquid cry& physics and/or biophysics will undoubtedlv criticize the suoerficial treatment of their ;esoeetive fields: The text should. however. stimulate more orohine investieaof biological macmmolecules into unique spatial arrangements. Edward T. Samulski The University of Connecticut Storrs. CT 06268
A118
Journal of Chemical Education
Franklin D. Saew, (Editor),Marcel Dekker. Inc.. New York. 1979. x 491 pp. Figs. and tables. 23.5 X 16 cm. $49.50.
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This book cunsists of twelve different contributions reviewing recent work on liquid crystals. Topics covered include structure, classification, and thermodynamics of liquid
properties of chulesterics), magnetic resonance studies, and theoretical investigations. One problem with the book is the lack of coordination between different chavters: classification of smectie liquid crystals, for example, is discussed extensively in two different places. In summary, this book will probably pmve useful only for people already active in liquid crystal research. For such people, however, the book is already somewhat out of date. DAVIDW. OXTOBY
spectroscopy of liquid crystals, relati~nships between chemical structure and liquid crystal properties, and a elosinp section on applications. Most of the cuntributims include references through 1975; a few contain postscripts covering articles published from 197fi-78. This book is not an introduction to the field of liquid crystals, but it is rather a series of fairly specialized reviews ofselected topics in the field. Thus, it is not a substitute for more general texts such as "Liquid Crystals," by Chandrasekhar, or "The Physics of Liquid Crystsls," by de Gennes. The strongest areas ofcuverage are the three-dimensional structure of liquid crystals, their classification,and the relationship between molecular structure and the type of mesophase formed. It should be of most use to workers engaged in synthesis of molecules with liquid crystalline phases. The discussions of liquid crystalline hehavior in biological systems are particularly valuable. However, other topics which are covered only briefly or not a t all include hydrodynamic studies of liquid crystals (except
University of Chicago Chicago. IL 60637
Perchloric Acid a n d Perchlorates Alfred A. Schilt, G. Frederick Smith Chemical Company, Columbus. OH. 1979. lx 189 pp. Figs. and tables. 22.5 X 14.5 cm.
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In the Preface, the author notes that "This monograph is intended to serve as a ready, single source of useful information on the chemistry and application of perchloric acid and perchlorate compounds. . T o this end a thorough search has been made of the literature up t o . 1977. " The chapter titles indicate the organization of the material. These include an Introduction; Preparation and Properties of Perehloric Acid; Properties and Preparation af (Continued on page A120)
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perchlorate is generally available in standard texts and monographs.
LUTHERE. ERICKSON Perchlorates; Applicatiuns of Perchloric Acid and Perchlorate in Chemical Analysis; Application in Organic Synthesis, Industry, and Commerce. The book also includes an Appendix which lists physical and equilibrium data far binary, ternary, and quaternary systems of perchlorates, and an Index. The author, who was a student of G. Frederick Smith, credits Smith with attracting his interest in perchloric acid and perchlorates and dedicated the book to his memory. Smith's work is featured prominently in the book. For a thin monograph, the book succeeds well in its goal of providing an encyclopedic citation of references to the literature. As noted in the Preface, "Most, if not all, ofthe pertinent references are cited. This approach, coupled with a desire for conciseness, has precluded an in-depth treatment of many of the topics." I find this style t o be a great weaknw of the book. Though many facts are stated and many references cited, the relative significance of the many papers cited is difficult to discern. I t is definitely not the sort of book one would read leisuretv. The book should he essent~nlto anyone doing resenrrh in perrhlcmr arid chemistry o r prrehlorates. It wwld also be moil usrful to anyone who is considering using perchlorie acid or perchlorates in research. The section on safety is particulaily pertinent. In my opinion, it would have limited usefulness as resource material far courses in inorganic, analytical, and organic chemistry, since essential information on perchloric acid and
A120
Journal of Chemical Education
Grinnell College (jrinnell. lA 50112
Reaction Pathways of Carboxylic Acid Derivatives Peter Sykes,The Chemical Society. London. 1979. 12 pp. Figs. and tables 21 X 14.5 cm. £5.50. As a general method for introducing chemical information, cassette tapelworkbooks are certainly not new for general chemistry programs. This technique has not, however, been used widely for courses beyond the general level, and this series of seven cassettes from the Educational Techniques Subject Group is a welcome beginning. The use of cassette tapelworkbooks offers much to the student who might profit from an alternative approach t o that of an organic textbook. The self-paced nature of this type of presentation makes it ideally suitable for such students, as well as the student who wants to enhance hisiher understanding through the use of additional materials. This particular cassette is well-suited for the intnrductory organi~~studr!lt.'l'rrm~ are well-defined and rrpeatedly fur r m forcement The maim thrust of this ~ u b l i . cation is the development and explanation of hydrolytic equilibria with preparation and cleavage of esters serving as a model to erplore reaction pathways. The author uses '80 labeling in a very clear way to elucidate
mechanisms, and toward the end of the program explores nucleophilic attack not only by hydroxide ion but also lithium aluminum hydroxide and Grignard reagents. The forav into reaction pathways conciudes with an ail too brief look a t interconversions of such carboxylic acid derivatives as acid chlorides, anhydrides, esters, and amides. While examining the workbook and listening to the tape, several potentially bothersome features arise. Though the speaker possesses a crisp voice and proceeds a t an easy-to-follow pace, his British accent may distract some listeners initially. Secondly, in the course of develaoine.. reaction oathwnvs. , he conitnlrtrn trrminolog lu refer t u rnnws I y p r uf ester cleavage. hi far as this revwusr can dercrrninr, this rrrmindogy is s p ~ o i t r only t o this tapelworkbook program and should, therefore, be omitted. Thirdly, a t the end cd the tape,uwkbook pwyram, the li
