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.

Molecular Symmetry and Spectroscopy deals with the use of group theory in quantum mechanics in relation to problems in molecular spectroscopy. It discusses the use of the molecular symmetry group, whose elements consist of permutations of identical nuclei with or without inversion. After reviewing the permutation groups, inversion operation, point groups, and representation of groups, the book describes the use of representations for labeling molecular energy. The text explains an approximate time independent Schrödinger equation for a molecule, as well as the effect of a nuclear permutation or the inversion of E* on such equation. The book also examines the expression for the complete molecular Hamiltonian and the several groups of operations commuting with the Hamiltonian. The energy levels of the Hamiltonian can then be symmetrically labeled by the investigator using the irreducible representations of these groups. The text explains the two techniques to change coordinates in a Schrödinger equation, namely, (1) by using a diatomic molecule in the rovibronic Schrödinger equation, and (2) by a rigid nonlinear polyatomic molecule. The book also explains that using true symmetry, basis symmetry, near symmetry, and near quantum numbers, the investigator can label molecular energy levels. The text can benefit students of molecular spectroscopy, academicians, and investigators of molecular chemistry or quantum mechanics.

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.

This substantially revised and expanded new edition of the bestselling textbook, addresses the difficulties that can arise with the mathematics that underpins the study of symmetry, and acknowledges that group theory can be a complex concept for students to grasp. Written in a clear, concise manner, the author introduces a series of programmes that help students learn at their own pace and enable to them understand the subject fully. Readers are taken through a series of carefully constructed exercises, designed to simplify the mathematics and give them a full understanding of how this relates to the chemistry. This second edition contains a new chapter on the projection operator method. This is used to calculate the form of the normal modes of vibration of a molecule and the normalised wave functions of hybrid orbitals or molecular orbitals. The features of this book include: * A concise, gentle introduction to symmetry and group theory * Takes a programmed learning approach * New material on projection operators, and the calcultaion of normal modes of vibration and normalised wave functions of orbitals This book is suitable for all students of chemistry taking a first course in symmetry and group theory.

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