Introductory group theory for chemists

by George Davidson

Written primarily for undergraduate chemists, this volume covers the essential group theory encountered in chemistry degree courses, with emphasis on the application of theory. The book begins with a discussion of symmetry elements and operations, groups and their basic properties, the role of matrices and how groups are represented. The introductory chapters are then followed by a discussion of reducible and irreducible representations before the application of group theory to vibrational and electronic spectroscopy is explained. The book concludes with a discussion of orbital symmetry and its affect on chemical reactions.

147 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1991

About the author

George W. Davidson studied languages and linguistics at the universities of Glasgow, Edinburgh and Strasbourg, and is a graduate of Edinburgh University. A former senior editor with Chambers Harrap Publishers Ltd, he is now a freelance compiler and editor of dictionaries and other reference books. He is an elder of the Church of Scotland, and lives in Edinburgh.