The authors have naturally paid most attention to techniques with which they are most familiar. Of particular interest are the sections on the spectra of shock waves and the measurement of temperature. Reliable temperature determiuations 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' own work has shown, for example, that in a dilute mixture of Na in Ni the excitation of electronic states of Na follows the vibrational rather than the translational temperature of the N2. 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 comnared with two other books 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 Brovm University
Providence, RhodeIsland
Physical Methods i n Heterocyclic Chemistry. Volumes 1 and 2
Edited by A . R. Katrilzly Cambridge University, England. Academic Press, Inc., New York, 1963. Volume 1, xi 346 pp. Figs. and tables. 16 X 23.5 cm. $12. Volume 2, xi 398 pp. $14.
+
+
Subtitled "A Comprehensive Treatise in Two Volumes," this monograph aims at reviewing the application of certain physical methods to the structure elucidation 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 active researchers have prenared detailed reviews on seven different
involving chemical change (ionization constants and electrochemistry) have been 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 publishers place on institutional and personal book PUTchasing funds. The success of such books will be determined by their utility to theseasoned researcher and to the budding specialist. On this basis the two volumes edited by Dr. Katritzky contain much valuable information which should secure considerable attention for the series. Nevertheless, it should he stressed that the volumes do not intend to offer much theoretical and experimental background on the physical methods considered; applications are the keynote. Nor can the
A1 26
I
Journal of Chemical Education
reader readily form a critical, comparative picture of what the total physical data conclude about the detailed structure of a given substance. Thus, for example, to assess the electronic character of quinoline critically, as revealed by ultraviolet, infrared, NMR, NQR spectra and dipole moments, 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,
some of the present topics. Finally, it could be argued strongly that the application of quantum mechanical concepts 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 excitement in this theoretical area in a critical, well-written fashion. Because of the wealth of data which they tabulate and 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 greater 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 'with 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 be drawn from physical 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. Gmelins Handbuch der Anorganischen Chemie, 8. Auflage, System Nummer 52, Chromium, Tail B
Edited by the Gmelin Institute under the direction of E. H E Pieisch Verlag Chenue. GMBH. Wemheim. Bereatrasse. 1963. k i x + 942 pp. ~ i & .and tables: 17.5 X 25 cm. 5179. The volume discusses all "non-complex" compounds and the complexes with exclusively acidic ligands. The organization follows this order: hydrogen, oxygen, and hydrated oxides (149 pp.1; nitrogen, halogens (120 pp.); sulfur (42 pp.); selenium and tellurium, boron, carbon, silicon, Group V elements, and other metals (490 pp.). In the last section, the exhaustive treatment is typified by the 70 pages devoted to KiCi04 and KÈC~~O,
w. F . K
Gmelins Hondbuch der Anorganischen Chemie, 8. Auflage, System Nummer 34, Quecksilber, Teil A, Lieferung 2
Edited by tfw %din Institute under the direction of E. H . E. Pietsck. Verlag Chemie, GMBH, Weinheim, Bergatrme, 709 pp. Figs. and tables. 1963. xl 17.5 X 25 om. $133.50.
+
"The literature is completely reviewed up to the end of 1949 and supplemented to the present by data from subsequent literature which has not, however, been always completely evaluated." Electrochemical Behavior is a 316page section treating exhaustively the variety of phenomena mociated with the electrode potential of the metal in its various combinations with ions. The dropping mercury electrode is dealt with only by listing appropriate bibliography. The Chemical Reactions chapter covers both the metal and its ions. An extensive chapter on mercury alloys (291 pp.) covers all alloys except those with lower system number than magnesium. W. F. K
Gmelins Hondbuch der Anorganischen Chemie, 8. Aufloge, System Nummer 52, Chromium, Teil A, Lieferung 2
Edited by the Gmelin Institute under the direction of E. H. E, Pietsch. Verlag Chemie, GMBH, Weinheim, Bergstrasse, 312 pp. Figs. and tables. 1963. xviii 17.5 X 25.5 cm. $60.50.
+
This volume covers the extensive electrochemistry of chromium, both the theoretical and practical. Extensive information on such topics as electrode potentials, passivity is complemented by the comprehensive coverage given to the electrochemical deposition of the metal. A section covers chemical reactions of the element; another the reactions of its ions, including many reactions with organic reagents. The treatment of detection, determination and separation is limited to a comprehensive bibliography. A final section presents information on alloys, including known phase diagrams. The literature coverage is exhaustive to 1950, selective to 1962. w. F. K
Corrosion and Corrosion Control: on Introduction to Corrosion Science and Engineering
Herbert H Uhhg, Massachusetts Instifcute of Technology, Cambridge. John Wiley and Sons, Inc., New York, 371 pp. 15 5 X 23 5 cm. 1963. X Figs. and tables. $10.
+
The name of Herbert H. Uhlig on the binding of this book is enough to recommend it. His familiarity with the field led to his being selected to edit the monumental "Corrosion Handbook," published in 1948. For a number of years be served as editor of the Journal of the Eiectrochemical Socze$v, and since 1946, when he (Continued on page A130)
