Symposium on Recent Advances in Photochemistry INTRODUCTORY REMARKS
PHOTOCHEMI~TRY is a science devoted to the study of the interaction of light with matter; it is primarily concerned with the chemical effects of this interaction. A large and informative body of photochemical data has been obtained in experiments which extend from the early pioneering work of Hales (1677-1721), Scheele (1777), and others, to the more quantitative experiments of the present century. These will be referred to by the contributors t o this symposium. There has been a very rapid advancement in photochemistry, as in most research fields, during the years since the second World War. It is the primary purpose of this symposium to inform interested scientists and educators of some of the important advances which have occurred during this period. Space limitations restrict the coverage t o only four very specific areas of photochemistry: (1) relations between molecular structure and photodecomposition modes, (2) the study of free
radical reactions through photochemistry, (3) new techniques in photochemical research, and (4) photochemical synthesis. Development has been equally great in many other areas of photochemistry, e.g., photosynthesis, solid phase photochemistry, photochemistry of the upper atmosphere, etc. Discussions based on the recent developments in any one of these areas constitute excellent material for additional symposia. It is hoped that the presentation will not only be instructive to the educator but will serve to stimulate an interest in photochemical research among those ~ h do o not now utilize the many versatile techniques peculiar to photochemistry. JACK G. CALVERT Chairman of Symposium
THEOHIOSTATE UNIVERSITY COLUMBUS, OHIO
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL EDUCATION
