Structure Of Molecules And The Chemical Bond | Y. K. Syrkin, M. E. Dyatkina

Translated and revised by M. A. Partridge and D. 0. Jordan

This book presents a coherent, comprehensive account of structural chemistry—a complex, but important area of modern chemistry. The authors, two outstanding Russian scientists, have furnished a well-balanced wave mechanical treatment of the field. Throughout the book, they have endeavored to link theoretical aspects with practical measurements so that the reader can properly grasp recent developments and problems.

The book begins with a general survey of atomic structure (covering the Rutherford- Bohr model, the developments of wave mechanics and its relation to periodic classi­ fication of the elements). The emergence of ideas on chemical binding is discussed, particularly in reference to covalency and resonance—using the Heitler-London atomic orbital method as a basis for the treatment. Chapters cover the homopolar bond (with an examination of the Pauli Principle), saturation and direction of valency bonds, resonance of valency structures, and resonance of covalent and ionic states.

The authors then take up the molecular orbital method and its application to diatomic and polyatomic molecules. They consider a number of highly significant topics: spec­ tral measurements, dipole moments, bond energies and intermolecular attraction; crystal structure and chemical binding; etc. An extensive account of complex com­ pounds follows. This chapter deals with metallic carbonyls, nitrosyl and nitro com­ pounds, cyanides, halogen compounds, and the like. Apart from the Heitler-London treatment of the homopolar bond, all mathematical derivations are postponed to three chapters at the end of the book. Thus, the non-mathematical reader with an average chemistry background can simply omit this final section and still be assured that he has a thoroughly sound introduction to the subject.

A great virtue of the book is that it brings together between the covers of a single volume a large amount of theoretical material and experimental data otherwise to be found only in scattered books and periodicals. And it presents this material in a form intelligible to a great many readers who would ordinarily be put off by the more advanced texts in which these topics are usually discussed. Practicing chemists and students will find this an exceptionally useful addition to their working libraries.