Group Theory

Contents: Preface. 1. Introduction of group theory. 2. Molecular symmetry and chemical bonding. 3. Vibrational modes. 4. Free groups and presentations. 5. The molecular symmetry group. 6. Vibrational spectroscopy. 7. Group theory and quantum mechanics. 8. Recent advances in Perturbation Theory. 9. Classification of electronic states of Acetylene. 10. Structure and bonding in main group chemistry.

"Group Theory is that branch of mathematics concerned with the study of groups. Group theoretical principles are an integral part of modern physical sciences. In chemistry, groups are used to classify crystal structures, regular polyhedra and the symmetries of molecules. In physics, groups are important because they describe the symmetries which the law of physics seem to obey.

This self-contained work, written for advanced undergraduate level and graduate level chemistry students, clearly and concisely introduces group theory and demonstrates its applications to chemical problems. Students and professionals of physical chemistry and chemical physics will find this work of utmost use." (jacket)