Chemistry of the Elements

by N.N. Greenwood, Alex Earnshaw

When this innovative textbook first appeared in 1984 it rapidly became a great success throughout the world and has already been translated into several European and Asian languages. Now the authors have completely revised and updated the text, including more than 2000 new literature references to work published since the first edition. No page has been left unaltered but the novel features which proved so attractive have been retained. The book presents a balanced, coherent and comprehensive account of the chemistry of the elements for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. This crucial central area of chemistry is full of ingenious experiments, intriguing compounds and exciting new discoveries. The authors specifically avoid the term `inorganic chemistry' since this evokes an outmoded view of chemistry which is no longer appropriate in the final decade of the 20th century.

Accordingly, the book covers not only the 'inorganic' chemistry of the elements, but also analytical, theoretical, industrial, organometallic, bio-inorganic and other cognate areas of chemistry. The authors have broken with recent tradition in the teaching of their subject and adopted a new and highly successful approach based on descriptive chemistry. The chemistry of the elements is still discussed within the context of an underlying theoretical framework, giving cohesion and structure to the text, but at all times the chemical facts are emphasized. Students are invited to enter the exciting world of chemical phenomena with a sound knowledge and understanding of the subject, to approach experimentation with an open mind, and to assess observations reliably. This is a book that students will not only value during their formal education, but will keep and refer to throughout their careers as chemists.

Genres: Chemistry, Science

1364 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1984

Reviews

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful reference, especially for inorganic chemistry. That being said, if you haven't taken any lower level chemistry courses you will find yourself lost. The text is thick and the order of information (outside of the chemistry of each element) doesn't make much sense. Wouldn't one want to put MO theory towards the beginning of the book? Or maybe it is the sporadic bits of general chemistry between elements that is throwing me off. Would not be a good replacement for an inorganic text. The bits and pieces that you do get about metallo-organic chemistry will not explain the concepts thoroughly. Anyhow... I'm sure I'll have this book in my bookshelf forever as reference.

[Brad · Rating 3 out of 5]

i learned lots of facts. LOTS of facts.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

The one book I consult almost daily.

[Rohan Dey]

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