BOOK REVIEWS Quantum Mechanics
Evgen Merzbacher, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York, 1961. aii 544 pp. Figs. and tables. 16 X 23.5 cm. $12.
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This book is an excellent modern presentation of elementmy quantum m e chanics for physicists. After a very brief introduction of the essential physical ideas of the wave nature of mat,ter, there follows a discussion of the wave function and wave equation. Fourier transformations between wave functions in complementary spaces (configuration space-momentum space) are used freely to advantage. IIlustrations of the solution of the Schrodinger equation are given for the eases of free motion, the harmonic and double oscillator, piecewise constant potentials, the hydrogen stom and the square well, among others. Approximation methods discussed include the W. K. B. approximation, and perturbation theory of bound states and time-dependent problems. The theory of scabtering is given in good detail with a chapter devoted to the recent developments in the formal theory of mattering. This topic has received much attention by physicists in the last ten years, in fields ranging from nuclear ~ h y s i c st o quantum statistics. Chemists $so are becoming interested in these th~nret,ical devdooments in connection
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with the chemioal valence prohlem and the a priori calculations of chemical reaction cross sections. Chapters on angular momentum, transformation theory, spin, identical particles, and symmetry are included. Where necessary advanced mathematical techniques are used and discussed in detail. The book can be recommended t o all chemists who wish a n introduction to, or a review of, quantum mechanics in preparation for an appreciation of current research in physics.
JOHN ROSS Brom Uniuwsily Prowidace, R. I .
Progress in Reaction Kinetics. Volume 1
Edited by G. Pmter, University of Sheffield, England. Pergamon Preas, 276 pp. Inc., New York, 1961. viii Figs. and tables. 15.5 X 23.5 cm. $12.
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As presented in the forward, the twofold purpose of the book is first to produce an authoritative review of nine topics in chemical kinetics which need a critical assessment a t this time, and second to provide an up-to-date compilation of rate constants of current interest and importance. Chapter I deals with renxtions of oxygen atoms. The mathematical theory and the limitations of fast flow systems are
Determination of rate constants from explosion limit conditions, from the shift of the upper and lower explosion limits and for reactions involving oxygen atoms, as well as the temperature dependence of rate constants far exchange reactions are resented in Chapter 11. The chapter is concerned with direct determination of rate constants in the course of com~lex chemical reactions, and includes consider* tions as to possible extrapolation t o the high temperature range. Chapter I11 treats reactions of ions with molecules and gives the mathematical theories of these renxtions. The topics included are: Experimental methods, kinetics of reaction, tables of specific reaction rates, ion energies, and occurrence of ionmolecule reactions in radiation chemistry. Chapter IV presents mechanisms and data for the reactions of alkyl radicals. Reactions in which alkyl radicals are formed are not considered in detail. The criteria for deciding when conventional spatial distribution functions fail in the treatment of reactions in solution are presented in Chapter V, along with the methods by which the kinetics of fast reactions e m be described. A model for essentially fully developed theories of fast reactions neglects long range forces between reactants, assumes diffusive displacements are small compared to molecular dimensions, and treats the solvent as a structureless continuum. Possible modifications of these assumptions are recognized. Few data are presented.
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BOOK REVIEWS In Chapter VI salt effects and their value in elucidating mechanism in solution kinetics are discussed. The BMnsted equation for primary kinetic salt effects holds accurately in dilute solutians for a number of uncomplicated reactions. Thennodynamic and other properties of solutions show specific effeets, especially ion-association, which are outside the scope of the unmodified Debye-Huckle theory. Some anomalous salt effects remain for which no satisfactory explanation has been suggested. Experimental methods, mathematical theories, morhanisnls, energetics, and rate
and equilibrium data are given in Chapter VII for quenching of Euorescence, complex formation. aeid-base reactions and isomerizatian. The distinction between diffusional (or dynamic) and static quenrhing is discussed. Suggestions concerning mechanisms for various reactions are discussed. Chapter VIII deals mainly with the mechanisms of nucleophilic substitution at a saturated c a b o n atom in non-hydroxylie solvents. Bimolecular nucleophilic substitution reactions are divided into four types depending on the nature of the charge on each of th6 reactants. The physical chemical aspects of enzyme kinetics are discussed in Chmter PX. It is pointed out that enzymes are such
efficient catalysts that kinetic studies are carried out a t extremely law eaneentrations of the enzyme relative to the concentrations of the species involved in the As a. result most over-all reaction. enzyme-kinetic studies are performed in the steady state phase of the reaction. Equations and mechsnisms are given for transient state kinetics, steady state kinetics, and the effect of certain variables (hydrogen ions, ionic strength, temperature, pressure, inhibitors, activators, isotopes and perturbation of equilibria) on enzyme kinetics. Data on some rate constants and dissociation constants are included. Finally in a Reaction Index at the end of the volume, reactions are tabulated with references which give not only the rate of a particular reaction, but some discussion of how the measurement was made and an waluatian of its reliability. Ax18 EDWARD Uniuersity o,f Arkansas Fayetteville
The Chemistry of Natural Products
IUPAC Symposium in Australia 1960. Buttenvorth, Inc., London, 1961. 286 pp. Figs. and tables. 16 X 25.5 cm. $10.50. This work is a compilation of the fifteen special lectures presented in connection with the IUPAC symposium an Natural Products in Melbourne, Canberra, and Sydney, Australia, during August, 1960. Each lecture is illustrated with the slides originally used and a. rather complete list of references is appended. The presence of s sprinkling of 1961 references indicates that the authors have attempted in same eases to briug their subject up to date. A meaningful review of such varied and complex topics is impossible in limited space. A listing of the topics and authors is: Impact of studies of natural products on chemical industry, A. Stoll (Switzerland); Natural product chemistry-re& rospect and prospect, A. Todd (U. K.); Australian natural product research, J. R. Price (Australia); The total synthesis of chlorophyll, R. B. Woodward (U. S. A,); Chemistry of the actinomyeins, H. Broekmann (German Federal Republic); Recent investigations on same alkaloids from Indian plants, T. R. Govindaehari (India); Physieochemical methods of investigating natural products, H. W. Thompson (U. K.); Application of optical rotatory dispersion studies to problems in natural products chemistry, C. Djerassi (U. S. A,); The direct determination of the molecular structure of natural products, A. McL. Mathieson (Australia); Terpenic compounds with medium-sized rings, F. Sorm (Czechoslovakia); Some aspects of terprnoid and steroid chemistry, D. H. R. Barton (U. K.); Strueturd patterns of polyaeetylenie compounds isolated from the plant family Compasitae, N. A. Sorensen (Norway); Chemistry and biachemistry of biologically active bacterial lipids, E. Lederer (France); The biosynthesis of palyisoprenoids, J. W. CornSummarv of orientific forth (U. . (Conlimed on page A418)
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