Books
Theory and Practice of Analytical Instrumentation * Instrumental Methods of Chemical Analysis, 4th Ed. Galen W. Ewing. viii + 560 pages. McGraw-Hill Book Co., 1221 Avenue of the Americas, New York, N.Y. 10020. 1975. $18.95
Reviewed by William Gutknecht, Department of Chemistry, Duke University, Durham, N.C. 27706 Professor Ewing states t h a t the general objective of his book is to "survey the theory and practice of modern analytical instrumentation." This reviewer finds t h a t this objective has been well attained. In some 544 pages, a considerable number of topics is covered. Spectroscopic methods including UV, VIZ, and IR spectrophotometry are covered as well as methods based on luminescence. Atomic absorption, emission spectroscopy, ORD, CD, polarimetry, X-ray methods, and electron spectroscopy are discussed as well as NMR, ESR, and mass spectrometry. Five chapters are given to electrochemical methods of analysis and three to separation methods. Thermometric methods and radioactivation methods are discussed, and the book is concluded with three chapters dealing with automatic analysis, general electronics, and instrument-computer interfacing. Though the text is written as a survey, the coverage given to each topic is generally quite thorough. Inclusion of such items as applications of Ringbom plots (page 45) and the mechanism of countercurrent distribution (page 352) attests to this general thoroughness. Also, the author has included a large number of figures which supplement well, discussions of both theory and hardware, and chapters are usually concluded with a number of moderately difficult problems, most of which are quantitative. T h e survey is quite complete as indicated by the list of topics presented above. It is also quite up-to-date as evidenced by the coverage of such topics as derivative spectrophotometry and the different forms of electron spectroscopy (e.g., ESC A). Though generally thorough, one does find t h a t this text (as with most any survey) has some shortcomings.
For example, qualitative IR (page 119) and the glass electrode (page 278) receive minimal treatment. In these and other cases, supplemental material would have to be presented in lecture and/or the student would need to do outside reading. (Indeed, Professor Ewing does provide a substantial list of up-to-date references at the end of each chapter for such outside reading.) Another difficulty with this survey (and others) is t h a t new terms are often inadequately defined. Examples of terms not, or only partially defined in this text include "rotor" (regarding microwaves) (page 130), "Stark effect" (page 133), "radiation buffer" (page 172), and "distribution ratio" (page 349). Though criticism has been presented, this reviewer finds that, within the confines of the author's objective, this text is well written. Indeed, if it were one's intent to present a general survey of most of the contemporary, instrumental methods of analysis, or even a moderately in-depth coverage of a limited number of such methods, this text would serve well.
Practical Applications of AA Spectrometry * Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. Maurice Pinta, Ed. xxii + 418 pages. Halsted Press, 605 Third Ave., New York, N.Y. 10016. 1975. $95
Reviewed by C. L. Chakrabarti, Department of Chemistry, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ont., Canada KlS 5B6 This book is an English translation of the original French text, "Spectrométrie d'Absorption Atomique: Applications à l'Analyse Chimique," published in 1971. Contributions from M. Pinta and 17 other collaborators have been edited into a comprehensive text t h a t surveys the field up to 1970. T h e main objective of its authors was "a new presentation of the subject t h a t would differ as widely as possible from related works in the English language" and "to present well-tried methods". T h e authors have been successful in realizing these objectives.
The subject is treated from an essentially practical standpoint, but care is taken throughout to maintain a theoretical basis. About one-third (143 pages) of the text deals with the fundamental principles of atomic absorption spectroscopy, instrumentation, radiation sources, atomizers, flame reactions, interferences, and determination of optimum analytical conditions. About two-thirds (275 pages) deals with the practical applications of atomic absorption spectroscopy to the analysis of rocks and soils, ores, water, vegetable matter, petroleum products, metals, and alloys and to problems relevant to the fields of biochemistry, toxicology, nuclear energy, and civil engineering. Also discussed are a number of indirect methods as well as sundry applications. A full bibliography and indexes are provided. The book is informative and easy to read and understand. The strong points of this book include the well-written b u t concise treatment of practical applications which are widely used; the part on practical applications has been written by authorities in the field who have left a clear stamp of their expertise on their writing. It is the only book on this subject which covers in one volume both theory and applications in sufficient depth and coverage; the applications include comparison of atomic absorption spectroscopy with other competitive methods, e.g., emis-
The books critically reviewed in A N ALYTICAL
CHEMISTRY
may
be
or-
dered by U.S. readers. How? Write a cheek to Readers' Service Group, made out for the price of the book(s), add a 50c handling charge for each book purchased and applicable sales tax. Send check with your name, address, the author, title, and publisher of the books you are ordering to: Reader?' Service Group, A N A L Y T I C A L C H E M I S T R Y ,
91
Prospect St., Reading, Mass. 01867. Books covered under this arrangement are marked with an asterisk.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY, VOL. 47, NO. 13, NOVEMBER 1975 · 1179 A
Books
sion spectrography, X-ray fluores cence spectrometry, polarography, etc. However, regrettably, no comparison has been made with such powerful trace-analytical techniques as atomic fluorescence spectroscopy and induc tion coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy, presumably because the latter techniques came into wide use only during the last few years, i.e., after the publication of the French edition of the text. One of the weak points of this book is that the newer but widely accepted techniques of nonflame atomization have been poorly covered. A short sec tion, about four pages in length, serves only to draw attention to their exis tence. The result is a fairly extensive text dealing almost exclusively with flame atomic absorption spectroscopy. T h e other weak point (which, in fact, is the cause of many of the deficiencies and weaknesses mentioned above) is t h a t the four-year time lag involved in producing this English translation has unfortunately occurred at a time of the greatest growth in atomic absorp tion spectroscopy and has made the English translation seriously out-ofdate. Another manifestation of its outof-date state is the reference section. Of the approximately 850 references, the latest are for 1970, these being only half a dozen; two-thirds are ear lier than 1967, and one-third earlier than 1963. I have noted very few misprints. One misprint is on page 144, Chapter 6—the title of the chapter should read "Soils" in place of "Solids". T h e book at $95 is overpriced. De spite the high price, overall, this is an excellent book. I recommend this book to anyone wishing to do experimental work in atomic absorption spectrosco py·
NMR and IR Spectrometry * An Introduction to Spectroscopic Methods for the Identification of Or ganic Compounds, Vol. 1. F. Scheinmann, Ed. ix + 201 pages. Pergamon Press Inc., Maxwell House, Fairview Park, Elmsford, N.Y. 10523. 1970. £ 2
Reviewed by Franz Kasler, Depart ment of Chemistry, University of Maryland, College Park, Md. 20742 This book, the first of a two-volume set, deals with N M R and infrared spectroscopy. Its stated aim is to show the novice how spectral data can be translated into structural formulas and to provide the necessary data and
tables for the initiated. Its base is a summer school given in Salford, En gland, and it is quite obvious t h a t ei ther considerable knowledge on the part of the student or easy access to a well-informed instructor is assumed. This is especially true for the first section on NMR, the introduction by J. Feeney and S. M. Walker. The ori gin of the signal and basic instrumen tation are treated in less than three pages. T h e following parts, dealing with the chemical shift, spin-spin cou pling, and dynamic processes, are much more comprehensive and lead easily into description and analysis of the common types of spectra including some with magnetically nonequivalent nuclei. Valuable hints as to the proba bility and locus of their appearance are given. T h e unaided novice, how ever, might be disconcerted by various things. In Figure 15 text and caption contradict each other and both are wrong. Delta, introduced as shift from T M S , suddenly is the shift difference between two peaks, and some spectra have numbered peaks without expla nation. Some also have the direction of high field to the left. The second section by J. A. Elvidge shows the application of N M R to ac tual chemical problems. The examples are well chosen to show the different parameters used, from simple relative intensity to long-range coupling. The next two sections were collect ed by P . W. Hickmott and O. MethCohn. One gives correlation tables for N M R , and the other seminar prob lems which can be solved by the knowledge gained and the tables pro vided. Both sections are very valuable. The problems change from easy to fairly complex, but even quite sophis ticated reasoning is well explained. T h e part on IR spectroscopy begins with a short but adequate introduc tion by M.St.C. Flett, covering the theoretical basis. It is followed by G. Eglinton's section on its application to organic chemistry. Here, general con siderations lead into the spectra given by different groups and their changes in frequency and intensity caused by interaction. Limitations of IR as the sole method for the elucidation of structure are clearly shown. Nothing is said about instrumentation or sample handling. The last two sections, compiled by R. K. Smalley and B. J. Wakefield, contain 14 problems with well-rea soned solutions and fairly extensive correlation tables. T h e latter are in dexed by group and by wavenumber but do not include heterocycles. The really weak point of the book is its age. This is less so in the IR part, where one just misses F T I R and the computer treatment of spectra, but the N M R part deals almost exclusive
1180 A « ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY, VOL. 47, NO. 13, NOVEMBER 1975
ly with proton spectra. There is no mention of 7Ί measurements for structural analysis, and shift reagents do not appear. The Tau scale is used throughout. An up-to-date edition of the book could be valuable. As it is, however, it places too great a burden on the instructor.
An Aid to Beginners in Mass Spectrometry Interpretation of Mass Spectra. Don C.
DeJongh. Six cassettes (playing time, 5.5 hr) + 165-page manual. Educational Activities Department, American Chem ical Society, 1155 16th St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 1975. $120 Reviewed by A. E. Cameron, David C. Canada, and W. T. Rainey, Jr., Oak Ridge National Laboratories, P.O. Box P, Oak Ridge, Tenn. 37830 Professor DeJongh presents in this ACS audio course a series of lectures which are the result of over ten year's involvement in ACS short courses, university teaching, and research in organic mass spectrometry. The re viewers are in agreement that this course will be valuable to the inter ested organic chemist and the begin ning organic mass spectroscopist. Al though it is impossible to give thor ough coverage of the field in six hours, the student is given enough basic in formation to spur him to further study. A good list of general coverage reference material is furnished in the manual, covering books, journals, and reviews of the field. The student is given an introduc tion to mass spectrometer theory and instrumentation which is brief but probably adequate for those inter ested in interpretation of spectra. T h e instruction in interpretation involves presentation of spectra and the au thor's interpretations for a series of carefully chosen model compounds. Starting with the methane and pro gressing in complexity, these examples illustrate selected rules of fragmenta tions and rearrangements based both upon compound type and structural features. T h e author has made liberal use of abundance patterns to assist in determining the atomic composition and introduces the student to metastable transition calculations as aids in following the fragmentation schemes. A series of unknown compounds is interspersed among the model com pounds. These unknowns were select ed to illustrate the points covered in the lectures and, in some cases, allow the author to bring out minor details without referring to additional knowns. T h e workbook furnishes the student with detailed interpretations of the unknowns, and these can be used as additional model compounds
during the study. The student is strongly urged to work out the unknown interpretations as thoroughly as possible and, if difficulties arise, to review previous lectures until the material is understood. A short section entitled "Spectra at High Resolution" introduces the student to additional information available from these spectra and to the use of computers for acquisition, processing, and outputting of data. Spectra of model compounds and an unknown assist in emphasizing the importance of these data. A series of spectra of alkaloids and drug metabolites utilizes the principles learned in the course and illustrates the mass spectral interpretation of complex molecules by "chemical shift" techniques. T h e experienced mass spectroscopist will feel that the instrumentation introduction could be considerably shortened (Tape 1) and t h a t perhaps the addendum on chemical ionization and on field desorption took u p time which might well have been used to extend interpretation to more complex spectra. He will recognize also t h a t real-life spectra are generally accompanied by background interferences and that unknown compounds may be of questionable purity. Professor DeJongh states in the introduction that he would like to have the listener "enjoy" the course and to t h a t end really cannot be faulted for not emphasizing the difficulties. The bookkeeping of electrons in odd and even electron ions and in the electronic shifts required in rearrangements and fragmentations may be confusing to the beginning student and does not seem to the reviewers to be adequately covered for proper handling by the student.
Basic Computer Programming in Chemistry * Introduction to Computer Programming for Chemists—BASIC Version. Charles L. Wilkins et al. xiii + 414 pages. Allyn and Bacon, Inc., 470 Atlantic Ave., Boston, Mass. 02210. 1974. $7.95
Reviewed by Stanley N. Deming, Department of Chemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Tex. 77004 "Introduction to Computer Programming for Chemists—BASIC Version" is intended to "permit chemistry students at all levels to acquire the skill of computer programming from a chemist's viewpoint." T h e authors are highly successful in achieving this goal, in large part because they treat programming as the tool it is rather than as an end in itself. T h e book is divided into two parts.
P a r t I, "Basic Computer Concepts and BASIC," (pages 1-104) is itself divided into three sections: "Introduction to Digital Computers"—a concise discussion of computer fundamentals, but not absolutely necessary for using and understanding BASIC; "Computer Logic, Programming and Flow Charts"—a well-written section t h a t teaches the reader to think like a computer; and "BASIC"—the language itself, rules, usage, arrays, loops, etc. P a r t II (pages 105-373) by J. S. Evans and R. C. Williams is an excellent collection of 52 programs from chemistry. Each program is preceded by a discussion of the problem to be solved, the overall approach to its solution, the internal organization of the program, and the program output. Flow diagrams are usually provided. The programs are presented in increasing order of difficulty from a sixline program to calculate the mass of a hydrocarbon to a four-page spectrum resolution program. It is with these programs that the beginning student truly learns BASIC. Even "advanced" programmers will find these examples rewarding (e.g., the discussion of sorting routines in program 8; a clear presentation of Monte Carlo techniques in program 29). Four appendices present binary arithmetic, computer terms (a glossary), BASIC program optimization (very useful if speed is important), and troubleshooting. The book is printed directly from easily read typed copy. However, the text has not been proofread carefully. For example, on page 75: 100 P R I N T " T H I S IS A"; 105 P R I N T " T e s t " [sic] will not print T H I S IS A T E S T as the authors indicate but will be output as T H I S IS A T E S T , the sort of thing that can make beginners lose time, patience, and confidence in their abilities. Some vestigial F O R T R A N is present (e.g., on page 42 the constants need not be written with decimal point and trailing zero). Although the programs are printed directly from teletype listings of presumably tested coding, program 8 will not run as written: line 320 should read B=X(1). Most readers will find t h a t these errors can be overlooked or looked upon as challenging. Anyone with a desire to learn BASIC from a chemist's point of view will find this book very worthwhile.
A Manual for Analysts in Ecology * Chemical Analysis of Ecological Materials. Stewart E. Allen et al. x + 565
Books pages. John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 605 Third Ave., New York, N.Y. 10016. 1974. $39.95
Reviewed by Stanley Manahan, Department of Chemistry, University of Missouri-Columbia, 123 Chemistry Building, Columbia, Mo. 65201 This book is a manual describing techniques for the chemical analysis of ecological materials which include soil, plant and animal tissue, and fresh water. Included are some analytical procedures, instrumental techniques, sample collection and treatment, and statistical considerations. The chapters included are (1) Analysis of Soils, (2) Analysis of Vegetation and Similar Materials, (3) Analysis of Waters, (4) Inorganic Constituents, (5) Organic Constituents, (6) Pollutants, (7) Instrumental Techniques, and (8) Data Processing and Statistical Techniques. The book is designed as an analytical reference work to meet the requirements of the ecologist. Analytical procedures are given for a number of materials. As a rule, these are essentially adequate for normal materials, although, in general, adequate notes are not given to describe pitfalls and special cases. Therefore, in some cases it will be possible to use the given procedures to perform an analysis, whereas in other cases it will not be possible. Ample and relatively recent references are given to aid the analyst. Formulas are given for calculating the results of the analyses. These enable the nonanalyst to perform needed calculations without a total understanding of the mathematics of the calculation. Various digestion and ashing procedures are described. Prior to describing two wet digestion procedures, a general discussion of acid digestion is given. Regarding the possible explosion hazard from perchloric acid or hydrogen peroxide, it is stated that, "Although this danger is sometimes overrated, certain precautions should be taken." T h e procedures themselves do not point out the dangers of these oxidizing agents. This certainly should be done because the untrained analyst normally will go directly into a procedure without paying sufficient attention to material prefacing it. A list of suppliers of equipment and chemicals along with their addresses is a useful feature. There are virtually no photographs of equipment and few drawings. More of the latter, especially, would be helpful. A total of 23 pages of references is
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY, VOL 47, NO. 13, NOVEMBER 1975 · 1181 A
Books
Immobilized Enzymes, Antigens, Antibodies, and Peptides: Preparation and Characterization. Howard H. Weetall, Ed. vii + 661 pages. Marcel Dekker, Inc., 270 Madison Ave., New York, N.Y. 10016. 1975. $38.50
one of the finer features. These comprise an excellent coverage of the literature relating to chemical analysis of ecological materials. The materials for which analyses are given comprise a relatively complete list of ecologically significant substances. It is, of course, not possible in a book of this length to give procedures for nearly all of the substances which the environmental scientist may have to analyze, but the major classes are given. T h e book is smoothly written. It appears to be error free. The quality of production is average for books presently being published. One large foldout outline four page widths in length at the end of the book detracts from its appearance and will tend to become wrinkled and torn with use. In summary, this work is useful to persons needing a general coverage of the analysis of ecological materials. At its price it probably cannot be purchased extensively for personal libraries, and even institutional library purchase will require careful consideration of need. However, for some applications the book does fill a definite need.
,< s ^o5^New Books Ozone Chemistry and Technology: A Review of the Literature 1 9 6 1 - 1 9 7 4 . Joanne S. Murphy and Janet R. Orr, Eds. vii + 392 pages. The Franklin Institute Press, Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, Pa. 19103. 1975. $30
GFS ANALYTICAL CHEMICALS SINCE 1928
G. F R E D E R I C K SMITH CHEMICAL COMPANY 867 McKinley Ave.
Columbus.Ohio 43223
FOR PROMPT SHIPMENT
614/224-5343 GENERAL CATALOG FEATURING OVER 445 CHEMICALS NOW AVAILABLE FREE
Collected in this most timely reference book are the literature citations of the last 14 years in ozone chemistry gathered by the abstracting journal, Ozone Chemistry and Technology^ in the course of its abstracting service since 1962. The citations are grouped into nine chapters, and each chapter is introduced with an overview written by leading ozone researchers to give perspective and depth to the subject matter. The material is organized within the chapters as follows: chapter overview and related bibliography, followed by supportive bibliographic material gathered from Ozone Chemistry and Technology issues. Supportive bibliographic material is arranged chronologically by year and alphabetically by author within the year. T h e book is a good quality copy of typewritten text.
CIRCLE 199 ON READER SERVICE CARD 1182 A · ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY, VOL. 47, NO. 13, NOVEMBER
1975
This first volume of a series on enzymology is designed to provide readers, without further reference, enough methodology to actually prepare and utilize an immobilized biologically active compound. The treatment of chemical coupling methods or applications is not exhaustive, but it covers the major areas of immobilization technology and the major applications of this technology to enzymes, antigens, antibodies, and peptides. Each of the 10 chapters introducing different methods or related theoretical background is written in easy-to-understand language.
Continuing Series Analytical Chemistry of Platinum Metals. S. I. Ginzburg et al. xii + 673 pages. Halsted Press, 605 Third Ave., New York, N.Y. 10016. 1975. $60
This English translation is part of the series on "Analytical Chemistry of Elements," which is prepared by the Vernadski Institute of Geochemistry and Analytical Chemistry of the USSR Academy of Sciences. T h e Academy plans to complete publication of about 50 volumes in the series during the next five years. T h e arrangement of contents and presentation is uniform throughout the series. The seven chapters of this volume on platinum metals are devoted to a discussion of general information on platinum metals, chemicoanalytical characteristics of the elements and their compounds, qualitative analysis of platinum metals, determination of platinum metals, separation methods for the platinum metals, concentration of the platinum metals and their sepa^ ration from associated elements, and analysis of natural and industrial objects containing platinum metals. Reviews in Macromolecular Chemistry, Vol. 13. George B. Butler, Kenneth F. O'Driscoll, and Mitchel Shen, Eds. xiii + 355 pages. Marcel Dekker, Inc., 270 Madison Ave., New York, N.Y. 10016. 1975. $29.50
This review series, published annually from the journal edition, is designed as a reference for workers in polymer chemistry, physical-organic chemistry, bioanalytical chemistry, and related fields. T h e present volume presents six review articles, each with its own brief introduction section and complete list of references. Complete author and subject indices to the volume are also provided at the end.
