The first edition, by P.R. Bunker, published in 1979, remains the sole textbook that explains the use of the molecular symmetry group in understanding high resolution molecular spectra. Since 1979 there has been considerable progress in the field and a second edition is required; the original author has been joined in its writing by Per Jensen. The Material of the first edition has been reorganized and much has been added. The molecular symmetry group is now introduced early on, and the explanation of how to determine nuclear spin statistical weights has been consolidated in one chapter, after groups, symmetry groups, character tables and the Hamiltonian have been introduced. A description of the symmetry in the three-dimensional rotation group K(spatial), irreducible spherical tensor operators, and vector coupling coefficients is now included. The chapters on energy levels and selection rules contain a great deal of material that was not in the first edition (much of it was undiscovered in 1979), concerning the Jahn-Teller effect, the Renner effect, Multichannel Quantum Defect Theory, the use of variational methods for calculating rotational-vibration energy levels, and the contact transformed rotation-vibration Hamiltonian. A new chapter is devoted entirely to weakly bound cluster molecules (often called Van der Waals molecules). A selection of experimental spectra is included in order to illustrate particular theoretical points.

Informal, effective undergraduate-level text introduces 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. 200 problems with solutions. Numerous illustrations. "A uniform and consistent treatment of the subject matter." — Journal of Chemical Education.

Symmetry and group theory provide us with a formal method for the description of the geometry of objects by describing the patterns in their structure. In chemistry it is a powerful method that underlies many apparently disparate phenomena. Symmetry allows us to accurately describe the types of bonding that can occur between atoms or groups of atoms in molecules. It also governs the transitions that may occur between energy levels in molecular systems, which in turn allows us to predict the absorption properties of molecules and hence their spectra. Molecular Symmetry lays out the formal language used in the area using illustrative examples of particular molecules throughout. It then applies the ideas of symmetry to describe molecular structure, bonding in molecules and consider the implications in spectroscopy. Topics covered include: Symmetry elements Symmetry operations and products of operations Point groups used with molecules Point group representations, matrices and basis sets Reducible and irreducible representations Applications in vibrational spectroscopy Symmetry in chemical bonding Molecular Symmetry is designed to introduce the subject by combining symmetry with spectroscopy in a clear and accessible manner. Each chapter ends with a summary of learning points, a selection of self-test questions, and suggestions for further reading. A set of appendices includes templates for paper models which will help students understand symmetry groups. Molecular Symmetry is a must-have introduction to this fundamental topic for students of chemistry, and will also find a place on the bookshelves of postgraduates and researchers looking for a broad and modern introduction to the subject.

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.

The mathematical fundamentals of molecular symmetry and group theory are comprehensibly described in this book. Applications are given in context of electronic and vibrational spectroscopy as well as chemical reactions following orbital symmetry rules. Exercises and examples compile and deepen the content in a lucid manner.

Spectra of Atoms and Molecules, 2nd Edition is designed to introduce advanced undergraduates and new graduate students to the vast field of spectroscopy. Of interest to chemists, physicists, astronomers, atmospheric scientists, and engineers, it emphasizes the fundamental principles of spectroscopy with its primary goal being to teach students how to interpret spectra. The book includes a clear presentation of group theory needed for understanding the material and a large number of excellent problems are found at the end of each chapter. In keeping with the visual aspects of the course, the author provides a large number of diagrams and spectra specifically recorded for this book. Topics such as molecular symmetry, matrix representation of groups, quantum mechanics, and group theory are discussed. Analyses are made of atomic, rotational, vibrational, and electronic spectra. Spectra of Atoms and Molecules, 2nd Edition has been updated to include the 1998 revision of physical constants, and conforms more closely to the recommended practice for the use of symbols and units. This new edition has also added material pertaining to line intensities, which can be confusing due to the dozens of different units used to report line and band strengths. Another major change is in author Peter Bernath's discussion of the Raman effect and light scattering, where the standard theoretical treatment is now included. Aimed at new students of spectroscopy regardless of their background, Spectra of Atoms and Molecules will help demystify spectroscopy by showing the necessary steps in a derivation.

The latest edition of this highly acclaimed title introduces the reader to a wide range of spectroscopies, and includes both the background theory and applications to structure determination and chemical analysis. It covers rotational, vibrational, electronic, photoelectron and Auger spectroscopy, as well as EXAFs and the theory of lasers and laser spectroscopy. * A revised and updated edition of a successful, clearly written book * Includes the latest developments in modern laser techniques, such as cavity ring-down spectroscopy and femtosecond lasers * Provides numerous worked examples, calculations and questions at the end of chapters

A Thorough But Understandable Introduction To Molecular Symmetry And Group Theory As Applied To Chemical Problems! In a friendly, easy-to-understand style, this new book invites the reader to discover by example the power of symmetry arguments for understanding theoretical problems in chemistry. The author shows the evolution of ideas and demonstrates the centrality of symmetry and group theory to a complete understanding of the theory of structure and bonding. Plus, the book offers explicit demonstrations of the most effective techniques for applying group theory to chemical problems, including the tabular method of reducing representations and the use of group-subgroup relationships for dealing with infinite-order groups. Also Available From Wiley: * Concepts and Models of Inorganic Chemistry, 3/E, by Bodie E. Douglas, Darl H. McDaniel, and John J. Alexander 0-471-62978-2 * Basic Inorganic Chemistry, 3/E, by F. Albert Cotton, Paul Gaus, and Geoffrey Wilkinson 0-471-50532-3

Prof. McClain has, quite simply, produced a new kind of tutorial book. It is written using the logic engine Mathematica, which permits concrete exploration and development of every concept involved in Symmetry Theory. It is aimed at students of chemistry and molecular physics who need to know mathematical group theory and its applications, either for their own research or for understanding the language and concepts of their field. The book begins with the most elementary symmetry concepts, then presents mathematical group theory, and finally the projection operators that flow from the Great Orthogonality are automated and applied to chemical and spectroscopic problems.