BOOK REVIEWS Valence
C . A. Coulsm, University of Oxford, England. 2nd ed. Oxford University 404 pp. Press, Oxford, 1961. ix Figs. and tables. 14.5 X 22.5 cm. $6.
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Approximately ten years have passed since the first edition of this book was printed. The reviewer of that edition (J. CHEM.EDUC.,29, 532 [19521) pointed out that much of the discussion involved mathem&ctical equations, which for most chemists would require some effort t o follow. For the non-mathematicallyminded chemist, the same may he said of the second edition. For the most part, the chapters and their arrangement are the same as in the first edition. However, clarifying alterations appear in numerous instances, e.g., rewording, expansion of discussion, addition of a half-dozen figures, and additional equations t o reduce gaps in following the mathematical developments. The chapters on theories of valence, wax-mechanieal principles, molecular orbital theory, valence-bond theory, and nonmetallic solids remain virtually unchanged. Slightly greater expansion was made in the chapters on the campadson of molecular orbital and valence-bond theories, polyatomic moleonles, conjugated and aromatic molecules, metals, and atomic orbitals. In the last, the change involves
-Reviewed
an expansion of about two pages on the topic of d-orbitals, and the discussion is shifted to the end of that chapter. There has been appreciable rewriting of the chapter on hybridization. The most extensive change has been made in the last chapter, namely, the hydrogen bond and other miscellaneous topics. This chapter, which has been expanded by about 50% in the number of pages, includes such topics as hyperconjugation, hindered rotation around a single bond, electron-deficient molecules, boron hybrides, theoretical interpretation of bridge structure, inorganic r-electron rings (new in the second edition), and mesoionic compounds. It is the opinion of this reviewer that cursory coverage of such complex topics which, in some cases, are still unresolved detracts from the merits of the book. The uninitiated reader may feel he has been exposed to these topics, but he is not likely to feel sufficiently secure to apply this exposure. The major change in the second edition is the introduction of an entire chapter on ligand-field theory. This chapter is primarily descriptive and a large part of the discussion can be followed by most readers. In certain sections, however, i t is likely that the person who has had no prior contact with ligand-6eld theory will find some di5culty in keeping track of the terminology and in following the discussion involving symmetry considerations.
in this Issue
C . A . Coulsm, Valence Philip John Durrant and Belyl Durrant, Introduction to Advanced Inorganic Chemistry A . I . Dahl, editor, Temperature: Its Measurement and Control in Science and Industry. Volume 3, Part 2, Applied Methods and Instruments H. W . Thompson, editor, Advances in Spectrosoopy. Volume 2 E. H. E. Pietsch, editor, Gmelins Handbuch der Anorganischen Chemie, 8. Auflage, System-Nummer 28, Calcium. Part B, Section 3 E. H. E. Pietsch, Gmelins Handhuch der Anorganischen Chemie, 8. AuEage, Svstem-Nommer 52. Chromium. Part A. Section 1 ~ & c e T.Eidmon, ~cientists: Their ~syehologiralWorld Chem Sourees,4th ed. Harold A. Seheraga, ProteinStructure Edward M . Kosozuer, Molecular Biochemistry Mzehael Kasha and Bernard Pullman, editors, Horizons in Biochemistry: Albert SeeneGyiirgyi Dedicatory Volume F. G.A . Stone, Hydrogen Compounds of the Group IV Elements Sister Ma~tinetteHagen, Clathrate Inclusion Compounds Peter Sykes, A Guidebook to Mechanismin Organic Chemistry William A. Pryor, Mechanismof Sulfur Reactions Marcel Florkin and Elme? H . Stotz, editors, Comprehensive Biochemistry. Volume 2, Organic and Physical Chemistry E. L. Gefter, Organophosphom Monomers and Polymers Russell L. Ackoff in collahoration with S. K. Gupta. and J. S. Minas, Scientific Method: Optimieing Applied Research Decisions F~iedrichKlafes, Lehrbuch der Orgttnischen Chemie, Band 2 Norman Kharaseh and Walter Wolf, compilers and editors, Index to Reviews, Symposia Volumes and Monographs in Organic Chemistry for the Period 1940-1960 H. J . Emdleus and A . G. Sharpe, editors, Advances in Inorganic Chemistry and Radiochemistry, Volume 4
There are several excellent features of this book, written by a recognized authority in the field. Physical interpretations frequently accompany the mathematical equ&ons, and figures and graphs clarify mathematical aspects which otherwise might he obscure. In brief statements throughout the hook, the author cautions the reader about misinterpretation of concepts such as those pertaining t o resonance, hybridization, electronegativity, and bond additivity. Many of the concepts, however, are so widely utilized that someone glancing a t selected sections and not reading the full text carefully may miss these very important remarks. The reader who is willing to take a little time Kill gain some acquaintance with the ideas and terminology which are so prevalent in current chemical literature, although in some sections both the ideas and terminology may seem rather strange, e.g., " L i atoms" and "negatively hicovnlent ions" (p. 334). I n addition to the above changes, many numerical values have been brought up to date, as evidenced by the many changes in the discussion and in tables. Two items which apparently slipped by the updating process are the reference (p. 235) t o the existence of OsF8, which recently has been shown to be OsFs, and the reference (p. 138) to CsF as being the moat polar of all molecules, which is not in accord with evidence based on measurement of dipole moment and internuclenr distance. MILTON TAMRES Uniuersity of Michigan Ann .47h0r
Introduction Chemistry
to Advanced Inorganic
Philip John Durrant, Cambridge University, and Beryl Durrant, University of London. John Wiley and Sans, Inc., New York, 1962. xv 1171 pp. Figs. and tables. 17 X 25.5 cm. $15.50
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The Durrants, a n experienced team of textbook writers a t the University of Cambridge, have produced a camprehensive inorganic source hook which their British publisher Longmans, Green and Company is able to sell a t a bargain price in this country ($15.50). The book fallows the usual format of theoretical followed by descriptive chemistry and takes its place beside (but dwarfs in size) Moeller, Partingtan, Heslop and Robinson, Cotton and Wilkinson, etc. Like all the above, except the last, the ratio of pages is such that the transition elements get relatively short shrift. The only reason for writing another inorganic text is that the authors have a different point of view to present. In this case the Dmrants discard the app o a c h based on accessibility and familiarity of compounds in favor of a systematic treatment based on theoretical principles. Questions of whether chemistry is yet ready far this aside, the logical extention of the scheme would be t o make the book s, catalog of undiscovered compounds. Happily, a masterful compromise is a t hand, and a system haeed on Volume 40, Number 3, March 1963
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