crystal defects are discussed a t length by N. H. March and A. B. Lidiard. The extraetion of molecular electronic properties (such as spin densities and hyperfine coupling constants) via density matrix theory is described by R. McWeeny, and the evolution of atoms-in-molecules calculations, culminating in computed potential energy surfaces for three-center A BC exchange reactions, is reviewed by G. Balint-Kurti and M. Karplus. This volume concludes with chapters on long-range intermolecular forces (J. N. Murrell) and molecular eaciton theory (D. P. Craig). Certain of the chapters do overlap considerably with existing revibws. Murrell's discussion is similar in approach to the first three chapters in "Intermolecular Forces," Advances in Chemical Physics, 12, (Editor: J. 0. Hirschfelder, 19671, and McWeeny's topic will remind readers of S. Fraga and G. Malli's well-documented 1968 monograph on the properties of many-electron systems. Other sections, exemplified by those of Altmann and by Balint-Kurti and Karplus, present welcome descriptions of topics which, t o my knowledge, have seldom been comprehensively reviewed. With few exceptions (notably Lidiard), the authors have adopted a historical perspective on topics of long-standing research interest, and cite comparatively few references puhlished later than 1970. This approach contrasts somewhat with H. F. Schaefer's 1972 state-of-the-art survey, "The Electronic Structure of Atoms and Molecules,.' and would-be practitioners of accurate molecular electronic structure calculations are best referred t o works such as this. Superior editing and thoughtful exposition, however, have endowed the present book with exceptional readability, and many fresh insights will he discovered even in chapters covering topics quite familiar to the reader. (In this regard, I found MeWeeny's review of manv-electron molecular currents and , spin densilir>rspecidy illuminating.^ This a.,rk admirnhly succeeds in newtiating the boundary between the common practice of stringing together terse references to original papers, and listing voluminous summaries of computational details. First- and second-year research students in chemical physia should find it a superb introduetion to various areas in electronic structure theory, and i t should serve as an imaginative, concise source hook t o instructors needing t o round out their graduate-level quantum mechanics courses with selected special topics.
+
The book is divided into four sections: the composition and properties of RLi compounds, their preparation, their uses in organic synthesis, and their uses in organometallic synthesis. In addition to these general topics, chapters are devoted to the rearrangements of organolithium compounds and t o the generation of reactive intermediates. Several features of the hook are partieulady useful for experimental chemists. In many instances, Wakefield points out eaperimental difficulties of various syntheses and safety problems in handling RLi compounds. The author also discusses areas where further research is needed, such as asymmetric synthesis, configurational stability, and effects of coordination and association on reactivity. The hook has a good balance between topics of mechanistic and synthetic interest. Spectroscopy, molecular structure, and CIDNP of RLi systems are discussed. The numerous tables make it easy to find references to specific reactions. The only subjects that this reviewer finds lacking are a more complete survey of lithium dialkylcuprate chemistry and a section giving some historical perspective to early organolithium research. "The Chemistry of Organolithium Compounds" is a well-organized, well-indexed reference work. Its primary appeal is t o synthetic chemists, hut researchers in all branches of the science should find something of interest in this hook. James J. Havel Rice University Houston. Texas 77007
Waner S. Struve iowa State Univem$y Ames. Iowa 50010
The Chemistry 01 OrQanolRhlum Compounds
R. J. Wakefield, University of Salford. Pergamon Press, New York, 1974. x 335 pp. Figs. and tables. 18 X 26 em. 1622.50.
+
"The Chemistry of Organolithium Compounds" bresents a comprehensive review of these widely used materials. I t surveys the literature of tHe subject through early 1973. Well over a thousand references are cited. Volume 52, Number 11, November 1975 / A525
