Book Description

An understanding of spectroscopic methods is a pre-requisite for students in chemistry and related disciplines from the undergraduate level onwards. Inorganic Spectroscopic Methods provides a firm introduction to common spectroscopic techniques and interpretation of spectra, and their application to inorganic-based systems.The approach taken is unashamedly aimed at the application of the techniques and interpretation of the spectra obtained. Worked examples, illustrative diagrams and references for a theoretical approach are provided throughout the book. Beginning with a introductory description of electromagnetic radiation and its interaction with matter, each subsequent chapter covers the physical basis of related spectroscopic methods (vibrational, resonance, UV-visible spectroscopy, mass spectrometry) and their applications typical in inorganic compounds. Each chapter ends with a number of set problems and short questions in the margin are giventhroughout the chapters to test the basic concepts. The final chapter offers an integrated approach to the identification of unknown materials - putting together the techniques discussed. This essential text for all undergraduate chemists will also benefit postgraduates in chemistry, and undergraduate and postgraduate students of biochemistry and the biomedical sciences. ... Read more

Book Description

In recent years, interest in the preparation and characterization of nanostructured materials has grown due to their distinctive properties and potential technological applications. Nanoscale materials represent a new realm of matter and offer widespread possibilities for contributions to science and technology. Nanoscale Materials in Chemistry explores the vast potential of nanomaterials and serves as essential reading for the entire science community.
The extensive coverage of Nanoscale Materials in Chemistry presents a thorough introduction to the field of nanostructured materials, including chemical synthesis methods, bonding theories, and applications. Because nanomaterials are finding more applications in the real world, this text contains up-to-date treatment of such topics as:

• Metals, semiconductor nanocrystals, and ceramics
  
• Double layers, optical properties, and the electrochemistry of metal nanoparticles
  
• Chemical and catalytic aspects of nanocrystals
  
• Specific heats and melting points of nanocrystalline materials

Authored by world-renowned experts in the field of nanotechnology, Nanoscale Materials in Chemistry is suitable as a primary text for graduate courses and is a reliable resource for scientists. ... Read more

Book Description

Outstanding scientists from around the world have contributed 22 chapters which make up these two volumes. The book represents the state-of-the-art in this field. It is written in a pedagogical style suitable for a well educated senior undergraduate to grasp, yet still of outstanding value to the senior researcher. ... Read more

Book Description

Based on a conference sponsored by the Electrochemical Society held in Honolulu, this critical reference integrates;in a single, comprehensive source;the latest findings on metallized plastics and their far-reaching applications by more than 80 recognized experts from North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.Addressing both basic and applied aspects of the subject, Metallized Plastics enables beginning and experienced practitioners to keep abreast of recent developments, including metallization techniques for plastic substratesthe properties of metal depositsinvestigation of metal/polymer interfacial interactions using methods from ESCA and SIMS to HREELS and UV photoemissiontheoretical studies of metal/polymer interfacescomputer simulations of dielectric relaxation at metal/insulator interfacesthe modification of polymer surfaces with wet chemicals, plasma, and ion bombardment and its effect on adhesionthe use of the blister test to study dynamic fracture mechanism in thin metallized plastics and much more!Containing valuable bibliographic citations, tables, equations, drawings, photographs, and spectra that elucidate the material, Metallized Plastics is a practical guide for plastics, chemical, and microelectronics packaging engineers; polymer, surface, and colloid chemists; plastics technologists; adhesion and thin film scientists and technologists; researchers in the finishing industry; and graduate-level students in these disciplines. ... Read more

Book Description

This amply illustrated volume provides a non-mathematical treatment of the key concepts of electrochemical kinetics. Its purpose is to accessibly introduce electron transfer reactions and dispell the fear electrochemistry commonly instills in beginners. A general introduction to the factors controlling the electrode reaction is followed by a discussion of various electrochemical techniques and applications, including surface processes, reaction mechanisms, electrosynthesis, and the combination of electrochemistry with supplementary processes such as spectroscopy. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Recommended homeschoolers' resource
Calling all home educators! Here is a way to teach the periodic
table to your children using witty text, amusing illustrations, and
fascinating do-at-home experiments. Dr. Brandolini really helps
young and old alike to understand the science found in our everyday lives
through this intriguing book. This is one of those books that your kids will WANT to pull down from the home library shelves to enjoy.

Fun and educational
Excellent book for 8 grades and up! Great for science teachers and parents to explore unique and educational science projects. ... Read more

Book Description

This unique book shows how chemistry and physics come together in the solid state and on surfaces. Using a lively, graphic, descriptive approach, it teaches chemists the language that is necessary to understand the electronic structure of extended systems. And, at the same time, it demonstrates how a chemical, frontier-orbital, approach to solid state and surface bonding and reactivity may be constructed.

The book begins with the language of crystal orbitals, band structures and densities of states. The tools for moving back from the highly delocalized orbitals of the solid are then built up in a transparent manner; they include decompositions of the densities of states and crystal orbital overlap populations. Using these tools, the book shapes a meeting ground between detailed quantum mechanical calculations and a chemical frontier orbital perspec- tive. Applications include a general picture of chemisorption, bond-breaking and making in the solid state, bonding in metals, the electronic structure of selected conducting and supercon- ducting structures, dissociation, migration and coupling on surfaces and the forces controlling deformation of extended systems. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Conceptually brilliant !
This is simply the funniest and most enjoyable book on theoretical inorganic chemistry I've ever read. Its format is close to your typical bedside table novel, lively informal and packed with the most awesome qualitative insights on bonding with molecular orbital theory without the need to resort to hardcore mathematics. It also has some amusing puns and jokes mixed with the enthusiasm of conveying this knowledge. The more interested reader should also read Jeremy Burdett's "Chemical Bonding in Solids" for a more detailed account of the quantum chemical and solid state aspects involved. All in all 140 pages of pure pleasure.

A straightforward, visual examination of a difficult subject
This book bridges the language gap between chemistry and condensed matter physics. Starting from the language that all chemists are comfortable with - that of molecular orbitals - Hoffman builds up the idea of bonding in extended structures (solids) as if a solid was just a giant molecule. This is done with a minimum of mathematics, mostly using simple and graphical representation. As a primer to the area of solid state chemistry, this book is invaluable.

I'm not sure if physicists, starting from the other end of the language will find it as useful as a chemist, but it should be straightforward for them as well, giving them the chemist's point of view (language).

This is a short book, and wisely does not try to exceed its boundries, that of an introduction/overview. For a more mathematical treatment, I would suggest Burdett's "Chemical Bonding in Solids." If you only want an introduction written in plain language with lots of graphics, this is the book for you.

Every chemist needs to read this!
This book bridges a gap between molecular orbital theory and the empirical/intuitive way chemists think about bonding in molecules. From there, it opens up vistas in extended systems (e.g. solids, conductive polymers) that most ordinary "molecular" chemists think of as foreign and forbidding because the language and tools used to treat them are those of solid state physicists with which most chemists are (regrettably) unfamiliar. Hoffmann brings all this good stuff home to chemists, without the bludgeon of complicated mathematics, inviting us in, showing us how much we already know. My own background is both physics and traditional synthetic organic/organometallic chemistry. Until I read this book, I had struggled to see how the physics and chemistry meet. This book has really bridged the gap. ... Read more

Book Description

Chemical Hardness is one of the highly useful concepts which enable chemists to understand reactivities without reference to large supercomputers and databases. Originally developed as an intuitive, qualitative concept, it is today firmly based on and justifed by quantum chemistry.

This book explains the history, applications and theoretical foundations of "chemical hardness". Written by R. G. Pearson, the originator of the concept, it is a clear and well-written account of the consequences that can be derived from "hardness". It also shows the links to quantum chemistry and especially density functional theory which have provided a theoretical basis for and at the same time have extended the range of applications of "chemical hardness".

An excellent and highly readable source of information for every chemist! ... Read more

Book Description

Structure and Bonding covers introductory atomic and molecular theory as given in first and second year undergraduate courses at university level. This book explains in non-mathematical terms where possible, the factors that govern covalent bond formation, the lengths and strengths of bonds and molecular shapes.  Throughout the book, theoretical concepts and experimental evidence are integrated. An introductory chapter summarizes the principles on which the Periodic Table is established, and describes the periodicity of various atomic properties which are relevant to chemical bonding. Symmetry and group theory are introduced to serve as the basis of all molecular orbital treatments of molecules. This basis is then applied to a variety of covalent molecules with discussions of bond lengths and angles and hence molecular shapes. Extensive comparisons of valence bond theory and VSEPR theory with molecular orbital theory are included. Metallic bonding is related to electrical conduction and semi-conduction. The energetics of ionic bond formation and the transition from ionic to covalent bonding is also covered.   ... Read more

Book Description

Three hundred million years ago, dragonflies grew as big as seagulls, with wingspans nearly a yard across. Researchers claim they could have flown only if the air had contained more oxygen than today-probably as much as 35 per cent. But oxygen is a toxic gas. Fruit flies raised at twice the normal level of oxygen live half as long as their siblings. If atmospheric oxygen reached 35 per cent in the Carboniferous, why did oxygen promote exuberant growth, instead of rapid aging and death? This is just one of the puzzles Nick Lane answers in Oxygen. Lane takes the reader on an enthralling journey, as gripping as a thriller, as he unravels the unexpected ways in which oxygen spurred the evolution of life and death. The book explains far more than the size of ancient insects: it shows how oxygen underpins the origin of biological complexity, the birth of photosynthesis, the sudden evolution of animals, the need for two sexes, the accelerated aging of cloned animals like Dolly the sheep, and the surprisingly long lives of bats and birds. Drawing on this grand evolutionary canvas, Oxygen offers fresh perspectives on our own lives and deaths, explaining modern killer diseases, why we age, and what we can do about it.Advancing revelatory new ideas, following chains of evidence, the book ranges through many disciplines, from environmental sciences to molecular medicine. The result is a captivating vision of contemporary science and a humane synthesis of our place in nature. This remarkable book will redefine the way we think about the world. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

More than you can ask for in a book.
The story of Oxygen in the earth environment is detailed, but
goes further in its side explanations of the many various subjects
related to this story. The mystery of photosenthesis was clearly
explained at the molecular lever in such detail as were the other
submentioned processes of this book. I found this man to be a
genius of knowledge, seeming to know something about everything.
I do not know how to write books, but If I did, it would be this way. You will never go wrong remembering the author and buying
what he writes. A 10+ in my experience.

Great book
Fascinating book. The author really knows his stuff and puts together a very persuasive story of how evolution was affected by Oxygen. Although some technical info through me at times, practically every page had some interesting tidbit. I found it hard to put down.

A lot of information about a lot of different topics!
Nick Lane's book, Oxygen The Molecule that made the World, is a surprising volume. It mixes organic and inorganic chemistry with evolutionary studies, paleontology, research medicine, and even a little engineering to explain how the world got to be as it is. The first half of the book is dedicated to what our early atmosphere was like and how it changed as a result of biological activity. It also discusses how the evolving atmosphere, particularly the presence of oxygen, affected the complexity of early life and the sudden flourish of biological diversity after the Precambrian. The last half of the volume deals with the recent research on free radicals and their effect on health and on the phenomena of aging and of immortality.
Doctor Lane's own background is in biochemistry, and his research focus has been on oxygen free radicals and metabolic function in organ transplants. Not surprisingly he went into some detail about the free radical cascade that affects cellular metabolism and DNA integrity. I found this somewhat difficult to understand as I have only a very rudimentary grounding in organic chemistry. Still I have to admit that I know somewhat more about the process than I did before reading this book.
Probably because I know significantly more about geology and paleontology, I enjoyed more fully the author's synthesis and analysis of what we know of the geological and biological development of our atmosphere and our planet. Some of this material was familiar to me from other sources: Certainly that O2 can actually be a "poison" I know from managing patients with ARDS (adult respiratory distress syndrome) on mechanical ventilators with 100% O2; that the earth went through a series of green house earth/snowball earth phases early in its history I had learned from Ward and Brownlee's book Rare Earth; that life had begun almost as early as it was able and much earlier than had been previously believed, I was aware of from works by Gould, Schopf, and others; and that the mitochondria may once have been free-living, aerobic organisms that formed a symbiotic relationship with anaerobic organisms was known to me from my past exposure to microbiology in a nursing class.
New to me however, was the concept that gigantism may have been a means of limiting the negative effects of a periodic increase in oxygen in the environment, as Dr. Lane suggests in his chapter on The Bolsover Dragonfly. Although I had read an article that suggested that the immense sizes achieved by some of the dinosaur species might have been due to a higher percent of O2 at the time, I had also understood that it was because oxygen was a "good" thing, an opportunity of sorts. Lane points out that the negative effects of oxygen on tissues and DNA through the free radical cascade might have been ameliorated by an increased size. An animal--or one presumes also a plant--that increased its size might have been able to distribute negative effects over a greater body mass. One wonders if the rise of the mammalian mega fauna of the ice ages and their sudden almost catastrophic disappearance might not also have been due to some temporary fluxuation in the oxygen level of their atmosphere. (In which case the early Native Americans could be once and for all exonerated of having liquidated them, since their demise would have been dictated by a return to a baseline oxygen level!) If this were the case, one might also question what type of changes might be expected among our own kind as a result of such an increase and decrease of atmospheric oxygen.
I found the doctor's ideas on the trade off between sexual reproduction and immortality a unique approach to the topic of aging. Some of this information--the studies of animal reproduction rates, predation, and age at death, for instance--was known to me. Dr. Lane's discussion brought it together in a much more complete way.
Certainly the concept of sexual reproduction being one of life's mechanisms of perpetuating the fragile, complex organic molecules (DNA) in an oxidative environment was interesting. I had read Ridley's proposal that sexual reproduction evolved as a means of resisting bacterial infection, but Lane's suggests why it began as early as the DNA swapping behavior among early single eukaryotic cells. That the massive increase in biological diversity was an indirect product of the release of oxygen into the atmosphere, is truly an amazing thought. In the event as Lane makes claim in his subtitle, oxygen was truly "The Molecule that made the World." ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Simply Outstanding And A Credit To Environmental Toxicology
This textbook is simply an outstanding piece of science. Crosby literally gives the reader a mouthful when dealing with the subjects of environmental toxicology and chemistry.

It is indeed a detailed and indepth textbook which covers the basic scientific foundations of environmental toxicology and chemistry. Additionally, Crosby interwines the two subjects and shows how one is closely related to the other in terms of making adequate scientific risk assessments and writing scientific reviews.

Corsby's work in this particular textbook is nothing short of academically remarkable. This textbook is a must sciendce book for those in the academic, industrial, governmental, and private sectors of the business world. It provides the reader with an insight of how toxicology and chemistry functions in the environmental science fields and how these two subjects are sused in making concise and clear analysis of chemical agents and contaminants in the water, soil, and air. The ecotoxicity affects of these contaminants are reviewed in great detail to give the reader an insight of how environmental pollution affects air, water,and soil and thes living organisms in each area.

In short one can soon surmise that this textbook meets the expectations of the reader and gives the reader a detailed-intellectual background information about environmental toxicology and chemistry. It is a must read textbook and a perfect guide to obtaining a greater level of comprehension in the scientific fields of toxicology and chemistry. ... Read more

Book Description

Hardbound. ... Read more

Book Description

d- and f- Block Chemistry book provides the fundamentals of d- and f-block metals, including aspects of structure, bonding, chemical thermodynamics and spectroscopy, which underpin studies of the chemistry of these elements.  Aims to provide an introduction to the principles underlying the chemistry of the d- and f-block metals. It briefly describes the origins, uses, and importance of these elements before considering the factors underlying their chemical properties. It describes aspects of structure, bonding, chemical thermodynamics and spectroscopy, which underpin studies of the chemistry of these elements. Examples are drawn from different parts of the d- and f-blocks to illustrate particular points and study questions allow you to practice the application of the principles learned. ... Read more

Book Description

Crystallization Process Systems gives a clear, concise, balanced and up to date presentation of crystallization and solid-liquid separation of the crystalline product.The information is presented in a coherent, concise and logical sequence based on the fundamentals of particulate crystallization processes as systems.



By emphasising the analysis, design and operation of particulate crystallization processes as systems, the reader will be able to make a better judgement about the best, cheapest and most effective production method to use.

Crystallization Process Systems gives a wider view and an overview of the subject of crystallization as a whole.It provides an ideal lead-in to more specialized works such as Crystallization and Solid-Liquid Separation - also published by BH.

Presents a coherent, concise and logical sequence based on the fundamentals of particulate crystallization processes as systemsEmphasis on the design and optimization of the crystallization processing system ... Read more

Book Description

Basic Solid State Chemistry, Second Edition is a thorough revision of this best selling introductory text. This new edition provides the reader with an up to date account of the essential topics in this exciting and developing area. Whilst the structure of the first edition has been retained, introducing topics in a logical and coherent way, the text has been revised to include latest developments and concepts. There is a new chapter on Synthetic Methods covering solid state, precursor, chemie douce, intercalation, gas phase (MOCVD, vapour phase transport), hydrothermal and other methods. In addition there is new material on fullerenes, spinels and applications of phase diagrams. The coverage of solid solutions has been expanded and many of the diagrams have been considerably improved, as have the examples and problems. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

excellent source of crystal chemistry material
Professor West's magnum opus:

This book was the bible in the inorganic chemistry department of the University of Aberdeen, Scotland, where Prof. West taught during my undergraduate years.

He was/is a very likeable man, always helpful to his undergraduate and postdoctoral students, and the presentation is user-friendly and clear. The department is world-class, and again, it is hard to outdo this book for clarity and scope of inorganic/crystal chemistry.

Topics: crystal structure, crystallography, phase diagrams, electrical properties, magnetic/optical properties, etc... ... Read more

Book Description

Where are the origins of chemical ideas? How did the pioneers in chemistry recognize the fundamental intellectual issues of their time? What skills of reasoning and experiment did they use to solve these problemes? How did the circumstances of personality and competition influence their careers and scientific accomplishments? If we can answer these questions, we may be able to improve our own chances of success in research.


»This is a marvelous book of people and chemical ideas! The author, Jerry Berson, is known as a chemical stylist, a physical organic chemist possessed of the highest analytical powers. In a unique approach to the history of chemistry (indeed the history of science) he brings that style, as well as his insider's knowledge and a perceptive sensivity to the societal setting of chemists, to the analysis of some key chapters in modern organic chemistry.« Roald Hoffmann, Nobel Laureate ... Read more

Reviews (2)

For chemists only
Although it is an excellent book in many respects, it doesn't really tackle the whole issue of creativity. Non-chemists be warned! This book is intended for professional chemists and any non-chemists (or even lapsed chemists) will find much of this book is totally unreadable. A great pity.

A good historical look at the most important chemists
J. Berson touches on the most important and influential chemists of the history. Although a well written book, it did lack some detail and more recent discoveries using these influences. However, the book did contain enough information to keep the reader interested without getting too technical, ie. no Ph.D necessary to understand his work. I recomend this book as a creativity booster for those graduate students in chemistry who are still trying to find their way. ... Read more

Book Description

. Techniques of solid state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy are constantly being extended to a more diverse range of materials, pressing into service an ever-expanding range of nuclides including some previously considered too intractable to provide usable results. At the same time, new developments in both hardware and software are being introduced and refined. This book covers the most important of these new developments.

With sections addressed to non-specialist researchers (providing accessible answers to the most common questions about the theory and practice of NMR asked by novices) as well as a more specialised and up-to-date treatment of the most important areas of inorganic materials research to which NMR has application, this book should be useful to NMR users whatever their level of expertise and whatever inorganic materials they wish to study. ... Read more

Book Description

Many students find the array of structural types displayed by d-block metal complexes somewhat bewildering when they encounter them for the first time.In this primer, Mark Winter uses clear text and consistently presented molecular structures to help overcome this problem and to provide a concise text for first courses in transition metal chemistry.His student-friendly approach will make the subject more accessible for many, and the clear progression of chemistry employed lays the foundations for more advanced courses at a later date. ... Read more