Fundamentals of Molecular Symmetry

Molecular symmetry (MS) is an easily applied tool for understanding and predicting many of the properties of molecules. This work shows how to set up symmetry groups for molecules using more fundamental ideas. It provides an introductory description of MS and quantum mechanics to show how MS is to be understood and used.

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Winner of a 2005 CHOICE Outstanding Academic Book Award

Molecular symmetry is an easily applied tool for understanding and predicting many of the properties of molecules. Traditionally, students are taught this subject using point groups derived from the equilibrium geometry of the molecule.

Fundamentals of Molecular Symmetry shows how to set up symmetry groups for molecules using the more general idea of energy invariance. It is no more difficult than using molecular geometry and one obtains molecular symmetry groups.

The book provides an introductory description of molecular spectroscopy and quantum mechanics as the foundation for understanding how molecular symmetry is defined and used. The approach taken gives a balanced account of using both point groups and molecular symmetry groups. Usually the point group is only useful for isolated, nonrotating molecules, executing small amplitude vibrations, with no tunneling, in isolated electronic states. However, for the chemical physicist or physical chemist who wishes to go beyond these limitations, the molecular symmetry group is almost always required.