Principles of Analytical Chemistry
Charles A. Reynolds, University of Kansas, Lawrence. AUyn and Bacon, 288 pp. Inc., Boston, 1966. xi Figs. and tables. 15 X 23 cm. $5.95.
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In the preface the author points out that descriptive laboretory exercises in many general chemistry (firsbyear college or university chemistry) courses ". are being supplanted by experiments which require exact measurements!' He goes on to say "Recently published textbooks desiened for the first-vear course show little cksnge in the Gverage of material which would prepare the student for these experiments." His first and presumably his major objective in writing this book is stated in the preface as follows: "This book was written to meet the need for a supplementary freshman texrbook which will help the student understand t,he quantitative work which he will be doing in the lahorrttory." The inclusion of a 288page supplementary freshman textbook in addition to the usual 650-page textbook and a typical 3Wpage laboratory manual would seem to place quite a burden on the student during his often critical first year of college or university work. The author's second objective in writing this book is: "This book is also designed to meet the needs of a one-semester course in analytical chemistry or quantitat,ive analysis; in fact, it is based to some extent on the lectures given by the author in such a course. Additional laborittory material, which was changed each semester, was also given to the students in this course." As opposed to most textbooks on elementary quantitative analysis, this one does not include a discussion of the theory or use of the analytical balance. The student presumably is to learn all he needs to know about the most basic and most accurate operation in quantitative analysis from a laboratory experiment for which he has had no advance preparation. This book is composed of 18 chapters on the following topics: Chapter 1. The Realm of Analytical Chemistry (6 pages). This chapter is well written and is quite satisfactory for eit,her of the intended uses far which the textbook was written. Chapter 2. Treatment of Analytical Dst,a (12 pages, 6 examples, 8 problems). Adequate coverage for either freshman or sophomore students. Chapter 3. Fundamental Chemical Principles (7 pages, 3 examples). Coverage of this subject is comparable to that included in almost any textbook for elementary quant,itative analysis. The inclusion of problems in this chapter would be of great help to students being introduced to such concepts as activity and ionic strength for the first time. Chapter 4. Titrimetric Methods of Analysis (6 pages). This chapter is a very brief introduction to the subject and includes definitions of such terms as standard solution, titration, primary and secondary standards, end pomt, and indicator blank. Chapter 5. Acid-Base Stoichiometry (12 pages, 12 examples, 4 questions, 35
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problems). Coverage quite sat,isfactory and the examples, questions and problems are well chosen. Chapter 6. Acid-Base Equilibria (29 pages, 23 examples, 11 questions, 17 problems). This chapter is excellent for a course in quantitative analysis. However, the chapter includes much more material than could be effectively used in a general chemistry course. Some topics are included which are often discussed in graduate courses in quantitative analysis. Chapter 7. Acid-Base Titrations (24 pages, 5 examples, 10 questions, 14 problem). This chapter is well suited far a course in elementary quantitative analysis. Mare detail is included than is likely to be mastered by students taking generd chemistry. Chapter 8. PrecipitrutionTitrations (16 pages, 5 examples, 9 problems). This is a standard treatment of the subject and could be used a t either the freshman or sophomore level. Chapter 9. Complex-Format,ion Equilibria (21 pages, 5 examples, 10 problems). Excellent treatment of the subject and should be h e for a, course in elementary quantitative analysis but is much more involved than most instructors would want to present in general chemistry. Chapter 10. Oxidation-Reduction Stoichiometry and Equilibria. (27 pages, 17 examples, 20 problems). Oxidation potentials are used throughout this chapter bat it is pointed out on page 150 that ". . many chemists prefer the use of t,he reduction half-potential convention ss opposed to the half-reaction potential convention." This chapter represents a standard treatment of the subject s t the sophomore level. Chapter 11. Redox Titrations (10 pages, 2 examples, 7 problems). Cunventional discussion a t the sophomore level. Chapter 12. Potentiometric Titrations (13 pages, 1 example, 4 problems). The instructor in elementary quantitative analysis would very likely want to s u p plement the material in this chapter with mare detail. Parts of the chapter vould he of help to freshmen. Chapter 13. Gravimetric Analysis (6 pages, 5 examples, 12 problems). Primarily s. discussion of the gravimetric conversion factor. Example 13.2 has a in the misprint-x should replace first equation. Chapter 14. Solubility and Purity of Precipitates (16 pages, 12 examples, 12 problems). Discussion is quite satisfactory for elementary quantitative analysis but contains material not normally taught in general chemistry, e.g., the bheory of occlusion by solid solution forms, tion. Chapter 15. Sepsrrstion by Precipitation (14 pages, 1 example, 8 problems). The material in this chapter, if supplemented by additional lecture material would he fine for a course in quantitative analysis. I t is doubtful that this chapter would be of much help to freshmen. Chapter 16. Sepmbion by Electrolysis (16 pages, 3 examples, 10 problems). Satisfactory for either freshmen or sophomores.
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Chapter 17. Separstiou by Estraction, Ion Exchange and Chromnlugraphy (9 pages). This chapter discusses briefly the theory of extraction. Hardly any descriptive material is included and aft,er reading the chapter, the student would know very little about practical applications of the separation techniques. Chapter 18. Spectmphotometric Aualysis (13 pages, 8 problems). The principles are discussed but no applicaliana are mentioned. The topics discussed in this textbook are given rather inconsistent coverage, some being quite brief while others include material suitable for and often included in graduate courses in qoantitative analysis. Writing a. book which would allow the author to achieve both of his stated objectives would, indeed, seem to be a most difficult task. In his effort to achieve these objectives, it would seem that the author has been farced to make campromises which have resulted in a book that comes close to attaining the first objective but perhaps falls a hit short of the second objective. Thhse teaching a course in general chemist,ry which includes laboratory experiments that require exact quantitative measurements, will find this book quite useful as a supplementary textbook. This textbook could also be used for a survey course in elementary quantitative analysis, but the instructor might very well want to present s u p plementary lecture material on certain topics and also include a discussion of practical applications of the principles studied.
V. BANKS CHARLES Iowa State Zrniuersilg Ames
Chemical Principles in Calculations of Ionic Equilibria: Solution Theory for General Chemistry, Qualitative Analysis, and Quantitative Analysis
Emzl J. Margolis, City College of New York. Macmillan Co.. Inc.. Sew York. 482 pp. '~igs.'and tables: 1966. xi 16 X 24 em. Paperbound, $3.95. Cloth, $7.95.
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In this treatment of the principles of ionic equilibria in aqueous solution, the author hits attempted to design a book suitable for the average student to use as a supplement to the general chemistry text, as a self-contained basic text for qunlitative analysis, or as a. supplementmy text for quantitative analysis. The primary emphasis is on homogeneous phase equilibria, heterogeneous phase equilibria, and "reactant potential" and free energy. Each major section includes a discussion of principles, 20 to 30 "inteipretntive exercises" worked out in minute detail, and nearly 100 "supplementary assignments!' While the author's basic concept of the book is good and the format is attractive, I feel that it is of littlevalue as a text, as it is generally confusing,frequently misleading, and often conceptudy unsound. The author's style is wordy, indirect, and repetitious. The book is designed so (Continued on page AlOS6)
