Group Theory And Symmetry in Chemistry | Gurdeep Raj, Ajay Bhagi & Vinod Jain

This volume is a consequence of a series of seminars presented by the authors at the Infrared Spectroscopy Institute, Canisius College, Buffalo, New York, over the last nine years. Many participants on an intermediate level lacked a sufficient background in mathematics and quantum mechan­ ics, and it became evident that a non mathematical or nearly nonmathe­ matical approach would be necessary. The lectures were designed to fill this need and proved very successful. As a result of the interest that was developed in this approach, it was decided to write this book. The text is intended for scientists and students with only limited theore­ tical background in spectroscopy, but who are sincerely interested in the interpretation of molecular spectra. The book develops the detailed selection rules for fundamentals, combinations, and overtones for molecules in several point groups. Detailed procedures used in carrying out the normal coordinate treatment for several molecules are also presented. Numerous examples from the literature illustrate the use of group theory in the in­ terpretation of molecular spectra and in the determination of molecular structure.

This book is the second edition, whose original mission was to offer a new approach for students wishing to better understand the mathematical tenets that underlie the study of physics. This mission is retained in this book.

This book is based on a one-semester course for advanced undergraduates specializing in physical chemistry. I am aware that the mathematical training of most science majors is more heavily weighted towards analysis – typ- ally calculus and differential equations – than towards algebra. But it remains my conviction that the basic ideas and applications of group theory are not only vital, but not dif?cult to learn, even though a formal mathematical setting with emphasis on rigor and completeness is not the place where most chemists would feel most comfortable in learning them.

Wave Mechanical Concept of the Covalent Bond

This textbook provides a didactic introduction to the topic of group theory in physics, with a special focus on solid state physics issues. The book is useful for students who encounter such problems in their first scientific work (in theory or experiment). In addition to the basic introduction to group theory and representation theory, the book deals with point groups, double point groups, and space groups, which are essential in solid state physics. As an example for systems with space group symmetry, electrons in periodic potentials are discussed.