Symmetry and Spectroscopy: An Introduction to Vibrational and Electronic Spectroscopy

by Daniel C. Harris, Michael D. Bertolucci

"The authors use an informal but highly effective writing style to present a uniform and consistent treatment of the subject matter." — Journal of Chemical Education .
The primary focus of this text is to introduce students to vibrational and electronic spectroscopy, presenting applications of group theory to the interpretation of UV, visible, and infrared spectra without assuming a high level of background knowledge.
The text is divided into five chapters that address the fundamentals of group theory, qualitative aspects of quantum mechanics, vibrational spectroscopy, molecular orbital theory, and electronic spectroscopy. To make the exposition clear and meaningful, each new concept is applied or illustrated with experimental results as quickly as possible. In addition, each chapter features a large number of relevant problems through which students can test their understanding of text material. These problems are an integral part of the text and sometimes introduce new material. Solutions to the problems (often accompanied by detailed explanations) can be found in an appendix.
Carefully written to provide a solid foundation in spectroscopic analysis, the book devotes significant attention to the interpretation and significance of vibrational and electronic spectra, including good introductory material on Raman and photo-electron spectroscopy, vibronic analysis, and transition metal complexes. Moreover, many of the concepts presented clearly here can be easily extended to studies in other fields of chemistry. Also included are numerous helpful figures and line drawings illustrating important concepts.

Genres: Chemistry, Science, Reference, Textbooks, Nonfiction, Physics

576 pages, Paperback

First published January 15, 1977

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Reviews

[Melee]

my textbook in Adv. P-chem. it helped me get an A in that class. i think that alone deserves 4stars.

EDIT: but i didn't enjoy it SO MUCH as to warrant a second reading. so middle of the road 3 stars it is.

[Osama Ishtiak]

Excellent introduction to IR and Raman spectroscopy.

[Luis Gutierrez]

My brain hurts

[Beth]

Readable style. Covers a lot of group theory and applications to chemistry, leading up to the interpretation of electronic and vibrational molecular spectra. Plenty of worked examples and problems to try (with answers at the back).

[Skymeson Rolnick]

I used to be into Chemistry, but this is a good book on symmetry groups and how it effects energy levels for molecular and crystalline systems. Its cheap too.

[M.L. Weaver]

This book was for a course that absolutely challenged me in school, and now I read through it every once in a while for fun.

[Alex]

Great price for a thorough introductory spectroscopy book!