BOOK R E V I E W S

Valence

C . A. Coulsm, University of Oxford, England. 2nd ed. Oxford University Press, Oxford, 1961. ix + 404 pp. Figs. and tables. 14.5 X 22.5 cm. $6.

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 to follow. For the non-mathematically- minded 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., re- wording, expansion of discussion, addi- tion of a half-dozen figures, and addi- tional equations to reduce gaps in follow- ing the mathematical developments. The chapters on theories of valence, wax-me- chanieal principles, molecular orbital theory, valence-bond theory, and non- metallic solids remain virtually unchanged. Slightly greater expansion was made in the chapters on the campadson of molecular orbital and valence-bond theories, poly- atomic moleonles, conjugated and aro- matic molecules, metals, and atomic orbitals. In the last, the change involves

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 rota- tion around a single bond, electron-de- ficient molecules, boron hybrides, theo- retical interpretation of bridge structure, inorganic r-electron rings (new in the second edition), and mesoionic com- pounds. It is the opinion of this reviewer that cursory coverage of such complex topics which, in some cases, are still un- resolved 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 pri- marily 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 discus- sion involving symmetry considerations.

-Reviewed 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 ~syehologiral World

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~tinette Hagen, 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~iedrich Klafes, 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 au- thority in the field. Physical interpreta- tions frequently accompany the mathe- matical equ&ons, and figures and graphs clarify mathematical aspects which other- wise might he obscure. In brief state- ments throughout the hook, the author cautions the reader about misinterpreta- tion of concepts such as those pertaining to resonance, hybridization, electro- negativity, 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 acquain- tance 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) to 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 measure- ment of dipole moment and internuclenr distance.

MILTON TAMRES Uniuersity of Michigan

Ann .47h0r

Introduction to Advanced Inorganic Chemistry

Philip John Durrant, Cambridge Uni- versity, 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

The Durrants, an experienced team of textbook writers a t the University of Cambridge, have produced a camprehen- sive 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 fal- lows the usual format of theoretical fol- lowed by descriptive chemistry and takes its place beside (but dwarfs in size) Moeller, Partingtan, Heslop and Robin- son, 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 ap- poach based on accessibility and famil- iarity of compounds in favor of a syste- matic treatment based on theoretical principles. Questions of whether chem- istry is yet ready far this aside, the logical extention of the scheme would be to make the book s, catalog of undiscovered com- pounds. Happily, a masterful compro- mise is a t hand, and a system haeed on

Volume 40, Number 3, March 1963 / 169