Symmetry, Orbitals, and Spectra
book reviews Editor: W. F. KIEFFER College of Woortar
Miltaz Orchin and H . H . Jaffe, both of University of Cincinnati. Wiley-Inter396 science, New York, 1971. xiii pp. Figs. and tables. 23.5 X 15.5 om. $16.50.
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Wooster, Ohio
Supplement for Symmetry, Orbitals, and Spectra. Problems and Answers Physical Chemistry, Second Edition
Gilbert W . Ca&llan, University of Maryland. Addison-Wesley Publishing Co., 866 pp. Reading, Mass., 1971. xxvi Figs. and tables. 24.2 X 17 em. $14.95. Exeeot for the addition of three new chapters giving e.smtinlly n w and d c tailed discus9ims uf quxntum mwhnnivs and some applications to simple systems, and revisions and additions to chapters on covalent bonding and molecular spectrosoopy, this text is virtually the same as the first edition. The reader is referred to the first review [J. CHEM. EDUC., 41, 577 (1964)l for comments which remain pertinent for the bulk of this second edition. It should be repeated that the treatment of thermodynamics and its applications to chemical systems is excellently done, and the additions described here largely remedy deficiencies of the first edition in quantum physical chemistry. Many of the problem lists have been enlarged and improved. In place of the rather primitive discussion of quantum phenomena found in the first edition are essentially three new chapters (20, 21, and 22) giving a. more thorough introduction to quantum mechanical principles (Chapter 20), with applications to simple systems (Chapter 21), and a detailed discussion of the hydrogen atom (Chapter 22). In Chapter 20 are presented the postulates of quantum mechanics, operator algebra, calculation of expectation values and eigenvalue problems, perturbation theory, and a proof of the variation principle. In Chapter 21 these methods are applied to the free particle, particle in a box, the uncertainty principle, and the harmonic oscillrttor. The osoillator problem is set up and p a tially solved with a. statement given for the final solution. The three-dimensional box problem is included to illustrate degeneracy and separability, and finally the twobody problem is set up with separation of varisbles and statement of the solution in terms of Legendre polynomials for the rigid rotor. Chapter 22 continues the two-body problem for a, centrd field, namely the hydrogen atom. Unfortunately the treatment for atoms of more than one electron
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is at the level of freshman texts and hardly justifies the detailed effortof the preceding seotions. The level and type of discussion for atoms of more than one electron certainly is far below that of the bulk of the text. The discussion of the covalent bond in the first edition has been expanded by a much more detailed discussion of valence bond and molecular orbital functions for Hz+ and HI in Chapter 23. Unfortunately, the methods for extension of the independent particle model wsve funotions to more interesting molecules is not olertrly indicated. The construction and properties of atomic hybrid orbitals are shown without clear indications of how these hybrid orbitals are to he used in the valence bond or molecular orbital wave funotions. Chapter 24, Fundamentals of Spectroscopy, includes qualitative portions from Chapter 20 of the first edition with the addition of well done discussions of quantum mechanics of time dependent systems leading to the selection rules for electromagnetic absomtion orocesses. The sections on chemical kinetics are virtually unchanged, including the discussion of HZ L as a hiomolecular reaction, known now to be incorrect. There has been added a brief section on relaxation methods in chemical kinetics. In summary, of the top level physical chemistry texts which attempt to cover essentially all of the principal areas of physical chemistry in one volume; this is in the reviewer's opinion by far the best and most carefully done text for thermodynamics and its applications. The new additions in quantum cbemistry are of somewhat uneven depth and utility, but there is more than enough to fill available time in s yem survey course. The chemical kinetics portions of the text are generally satisfactory, if undistinguished. The choice of this text or one of its competitors, e.g., Moore's or that of Eggers, Gregory, Halsey, and Rabinovitch, is likely to hinge on the relative emphssis of topics in the course.
Milton Orchin and H . H . Jaffe, with the help of G. Kuehnlenz and R. Ellis. Wilev-Interscience. New York. 1971. 220 pp. Figs. and tables.' 23 X vii 15.5 em. $5.95.
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In the preface to their book, the authors state, ". . . Its use isintended to guide the reader through introductory quantum mechanics and molecular orbital theory, the free-electron method and the ealculation of u l t r a ~ o l e t spectra, symmetry, group theory and its applications, the struoture, bonding, and ultraviolet spectra of inorganic and arganometal complexes, selection rules governing the intensities of absorption bands, the fundamentals of infrared spectroscopy, non-computer methods for Hiickel moleculm orbital calculs, tions and their applications, and the basic concepts of photochemistry and excitedstate chemistry, including the WoodwardHoffman rules for the conversion of orbital symmetry in concerted reactions." In this reviewer's opinion the authors have not entirely succeeded in guiding the reader through introductory quantum mechanics and molecular orbital theory but have done an excellent job on the topics of symmetry, group theory and its spplications, ultraviolet spectra and infrared spectroscopy, snd have done a reasonably good job on the other topics. The descriptive treatments of the first three chapters of the present text hardly provide clear basic concepts of quantum mechanics and moleodar theory. I t may not be adequate to mention the variational principle until the lster part of the book and to omit the discussion of perturbation theory completely, since quantum mechanics is a msthemrtticel theory, it is almost impossible to develop many basic concepts in an essentidly non-mathematical form without misunderstanding. Only some basic knowledges of linear algebra is needed to introduce many important quantum mechanical concepts in a rigorous manner. The chapters on linear- and cross-conjugated molecules, symmetry orbitals and banding in transition-metal complexes, the electronic spectra of inJOHN P. CHESICK organic complexes and ions, intensities and selection rules for electronic absorption Havevford College mectra, etc., are quite readable. SymHaverford, Pa metry, p ~ i n t ' ~ r o character u ~ ~ , table, and the Hiickel moleculsr orbital, etc., are dis-Reviewed in this Issue cussed in some detail and the presentations are excellent. ,443:i Cilhprl If'. Cavldlon, Phyrirnl (:hemistry, Serorrd Editio~r The present book can be used as an in. . ,A433 .Ildlon Owhin and 11.11. .Jape, Slmmetry, Orhi~als,and Spcctra troductory theoretical chemistry text far .lldlon Owhtn and N.11. .Inre, S~pplementfor Svnmrrry, Orbitals, nan-physical chemistry graduate students . ..4.tX< and Sprrrm. Pnhlemi and A ~ ~ s w e r s (i.e., inorganic, organic, or biochemical). , . At% .l . l f i ~ h o Yudkin ~l and Rohzn Offord, .\C.uidebook to Biochemistry I t is also a useful self-studv book for re.A434 K. 0.C . V o r m o n . Princiulcs ~f OrmnicSvntheris neareh rlwmisri who find it dtffirdt lo wad J . M. ~itroerald.kditor.'Analvtic~~hot&hemistrvand tlrr current litersrurr in trrms of avrumtbd . .A434 ~hotoc~emical ~nalGsis: "solids, Solutions, rtni Polymers .A435 New Volumes in Continuing Ser~es ~~~
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(Continued m page A4S4) Volume 49, Number 8 , August 1972
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book reviews theoretical concepts. However, the price of the book may prevent it from becoming a popular text. YUHKANQPAN Boston College Chestnut Hill, Mass. OH67 A Guidebook to Biochemistry
Michael Yudlcin and Robin Oford, both of Oxford. University of Cambridge 195 pp. Press, Cambridge, 1971. ix Figs. and tables. 22.2 X 14.2 cm. $9.50 cloth, $2.95 paper.
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This brief "guidebook" contains one of the most informative, concisely written msnuseri~tsI have seen. It is a comdisavow themselves of any intent to write a comprehensive introduction to biochemistry, but rather desire "to introduce the reader to just a few outstanding features of the field." I believe they have done an admirable job. The scope of the coverage is remarkably complete and sophisticated given the space limitations, and a, useful index is provided. The book is divided into three sections: (1) Structure and Function of Macromolecules; (2) Metabolism; and (3) Molecular Genetics and Protein Svnthesis.
covering enzymes follows. Although enzyme kinetics are not considered, enzyme specificity and the relationship between enzyme structure and function are discussed. The first section is concluded with a chapter covering nucleic acids, palysitccharides, and lipids. The entire section contains only 58 pages. The coverage, although not comprehensive, should stimulate additional reading; unfortunately, a list of supplementary readings is not provided. In the second section, the authors do a beautiful job of emphasizing and demonstrating the interrelationships between protein, carbohydrate, and lipid metabw lism after presenting a concise introduction to energetics. The energetics theme runs through the entire section. Additionally, a rather nice treatment of similarities and differences in plant and animd metetabalic systems is presented. In the final section, the authors discuss methods by which genetics can be explored on the molecular level and then summarize the processes involved in the synthesis of the components of DNA and RNA and in the replication of t,hese materials. Protein synthesis is considered and the book ends with a. chapter devoted to regulatory mechanisms which control the rates of metabolism. The author's facility in reminding the reader, s t appropriate times, of previouslv discussed eonce~tsis excellent. but the practice of referring to prior or future material by inserting page numbers is sometimes annoying. Presumably, this practice was necessary to maintain the brevity of the book.
A434
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Journal of Chemicol Education
I n summary, although I am not certain who the audience for this book should be, I found it well written and quite interesting. Perhaps it should function as a supplementary text. Used in this capacity, it could whet the student's appetite for biochemistry.
angles in these molecules are now best relegated to items of historical interest. The chapter titled, Four-center Reactions, which includes the Diels-Alder, l,3-dipolar additions, thermal reactions, and photochemistry suggests no references later than Kirmse on "Cerbenes," 1964. The other reference dates for this chapter M. KOLENBRANDERare 1962, 1961, 1960, and two from 1948. HAROLD Grand Valley State College Thus, there is no reference to the WoodAllendale, Mich. ward-Hofmann principle of the conservs, tion of orbital asymmetry in such reactions. Nor is there any reference to Fukui's work Principles of Organic Synthesis on the importance of antibonding orbit,als and theC'frontier" orbital effect in nucleoR. 0. C. Nonnan, University of York. phiiic reactions. Science Paperbacks, Barnes and Noble, In the references for further reeding, 722 pp. Inc., New York, 1971. xiii there appear to be several unexplained Figs. and tables. 23 X 15.5 em. omissions, such as no mention of either $9.50. the Elderfield, or Weissberger series in the This book was w r i t t m as a rcxr bmk for chapter on Heterocyclics, nor is there any students who hnvr II:IIIx I&f inrrod!~:~ion mention of P.A.S. Smith's definitive two to organic chemistry and its purpose is to volumes on "Open Chain Nitrogen" show how an understanding of the (1965, 1966), in a. chapter on aliphatic mechanistic principles of organic chemnitrogen bonds. istry can be applied to the synthesis of Even in a case where the "reference for organic compounds. further reading" was Eliel's "StereoThe firat five chapters are concerned chemistry," there is no indication in with the principles which govern organic Norman's text that the R and S nomenreactions: chemical thermodynamics, clature, which is discussed by Eleil, has molecular structure, chemical kinetics, been adopted for optically active commechanism, and stereochemistry. In the pounds. In a. twa-page description of next fourteen chapters, these principles the synthesis of Brrtdykinin, there is no are applied to the problems of synthesis of mention of Merifield nor of the power of various types of bonds, groupings, and automation of his method for peptide compounds. As the author states "the synthesis. account is not intended to be exhaustive; Perhaps the most useful purpose served for example, the vast body of evidence by this book is the reminder, by its on which mechanisms are based has been omissions, that the past decade has been omitted . . . The abject hits been to one of very active development in the convey a.broad understanding rather than "Principles of Organic Synthesis." to produce a. reference text." W. CRONYN MARSHALL Thus, this book is to be compared with Reed College a. typical sophomore level text hook for an Portland, Ore. 97g03 introductory course in organic chemistry, except for the omission of simple nomenclature which is presumed to have been Analytical Photoche,mislryand presented elsewhere. Photochemical Analysis: Solids, How well does it serve this function? Solulions, and Polymers If this question had been asked of this book in 1961 instead of 1971, the answer Edited by J. M. Fitrgerald, University might have referred to it as being a. of Houston. Marcel Dekker. Inc.. well-written, rather thorough survey of 360 pp: New York, 1971. xiv the major organic reaction types and their Figs. and tables. 23.5 X 16 cm. presumed mechanisms. A few criticisms 523.50. might have been aimed st certain details, such as the proposal that This book is a collection of nine chapters 0each by a different author on various I + aspects of analytical photochemistry or R-C--OH% chemical analysis applied to photoI chemistry. As stated in the preface, the 0+ editor's sim in assembling this book was /\ R H to cover in one volume those aspects of is the intermediate for esterification, that photochemistry that would be of greatest a. concerted %body collision is essential interest and value to analytical chemists. in the mechanism of aromatic substitution The book is designed to supplement the books already on the market concerning by the Friedel-Crafts and bromination photochemical resotion mechanisms, reactions, snd'a, complete omission of any theory and application to organic synreference to spectral properties, uv, thesis. From the title one might assume visible, ir, or nmr. that the bulk of the book would be related Unfortunately, time and s. very active evolution in several major basic principles to the analytical applications of photoof organic reactions during this past chemistry. Such is not the case. As decade have contrived to give this book a stated in the preface, the section of the seriously dated appearance. Since D. W. book relating to analytical photochemTurner's work on the photoelectron istry, is disappointingly the shortest of the three. The volume is divided into spectroscopy of water, rsmmonis, methane, three sections: Photochemical Equipand other simple molecules, the hybridized ment and Actinometers (3 chapters), atomic orbital explanations for the bond
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