Group Theory In Chemistry: Bonding And Molecular Spectroscopy

Group theory is an important part of the M Sc chemistry curriculum of almost all universities. A proper understanding of chemical bonding and molecular spectroscopy remains incomplete without at least a preliminary knowledge of molecular symmetry aspects. This is obtained from the representation theory of groups which is explained in this text. Students with a basic knowledge of elementary quantum chemistry and mathematics will be able to benefit immensely from the book.
Salient Features:
• All discussions begin with familiar examples and then proceed to explain the abstract concepts of group theory.
• The authors' approach removes the fear of abstract concepts while explaining the necessary mathematical statements and proofs.
• Gives the student sufficient working knowledge for applying group theory to any structural /spectroscopic problem.
• Students can construct simple cardboard models of the Platonic solids to help them to understand the intricate symmetry operations which are essential for exposition of molecular structure and chemical bonding.
• Drawing stereographic projections of the point groups and construction of symmetry multiplication tables of large groups and character tables of direct product groups have been explained in detail.
• The minimum required key concepts of Linear Algebra (such as vector spaces and matrices) are developed in a logical and understandable manner in a separate chapter.
• Each chapter contains review questions, short questions, MCQs and practice problems.