Symmetry and Structure

This book is designed to provide the student of chemistry with an introduction to group theory. The author emphasizes the concepts and applications of group theory rather than the mathematics, which are treated in some depth in the appendices. This approach will enable the student to understand and apply group theory earlier than is now common. The principles of group theory are introduced gradually and in such a way that, from the outset, the student is rewarded by novel insights into the problems of molecular structure and bonding. Both molecular symmetry and molecular electronic structure are covered by the author. Having read the book the student should be able to apply group theory to every area of chemistry to which it is relevant. Chapters one through seven cover basic concepts and chapter nine through eleven more advanced topics. Chapter eight bridges these two levels so that the book as a whole enables the student to develop his understanding of the subject in a logical way.