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137

pretation of the vibrational spectra of various classes of polyatomic molecules.


Much of the material is based on the oiiginal work of the authors and the most
important publications of the last 25 years are incorporated. The vibrational
spectra of over 500 molecules are considered. The spectra are cIassified according
to classes of compounds and homologous series. A table of fundamental frequen-
cies and intensities in Raman and infrared spectra is given for each molecule and
its isotopic substituents.
W. J. O.-T.

EZectron arrd Coupled Energy Transfer in Biological Systems, VoI. 1, edited by


T. E. KING AND M. KLINGENBERG, Dekker, New York, 1971, part A, pp. xiii+324,
price S19.75; 1972, part B, pp. x+404, price $28.50.

The original outline for Vol. 1 of this series, described in an appendix to


part B, shows that a comprehensive and well-balanced treatise on electron transfer
and phosphorylation mechanisms was planned. This book, however, deals almost
exclusively with electron transport processes. Individual components of the electron
transfer chain in mitochondria, viz. the cytochromes, lipids and lipid-soluble
compounds, non-porphyrin metals, and flavin linked dehydrogenases are all
considered in detail. Both aspects of protein physical chemistry (Ch. 1) and model
systems for oxidative phosphorylation (Ch. 2) are also included.
E. T.

Free Radical Chemistry. Structure and Mechanism, D. C. NONHEBEL AND J. C.


WALTON, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 1974, pp- xvi+572, price
Ll5.00.

In writing this book the authors, one a physical chemist the other an organic
chemist, have successfully brought together what to a large number of scientists
are two compIetely separate subjects; the reactions of free radicals in solution and
in the gas phase. Both kineticists and synthetic organic chemists will find much to
illumine each others fields in this text. As one reads the book it becomes apparent
also that it has been written none-too-soon because shortly the subject will have
grown too large to be covered adequately in one volume. Indeed, these authors
have had to omit the very important area of free radical polymerization due to
the lack of space in which to do it justice.
The first part of the book, Chapters 1 to 6, gives a description of the prin-
ciples underlying the methods of production of free radicals, their physical
138

methods of detection, with particular emphasis being placed on electron spin


resonance technihues, their shapes and stabilities, and a comparison of free radical
reactions in solution and in the gas phase. The second and major part is a com-
prehensive survey of all the types of free radical reactions. Three chapters deal
with the reactions of atoms, alkyd and substituted aikyl radicals, and heteroradicals.
These are followed by a very large chapter conerned with radicaI oxidations and
reductions; the oxidation of phenols being considered in some detail. Homolytic
aromatic substitution, mair?Iy arylation, is discussed next followed, in chapters
12-15 by surveys of radical fragmentations, rearrangements, cyclizations and
displacement reactions.
Taken overall this is an excellent book which could be read for considerable
gain ->y research workers and Iecturers in a range of chemical topics from gas
kineLlcs to organic synthesis.
J. H. L.

Spectroscopic Problems in Chemistry, by B. J. BRISDON AND D. W. BROWN, Van


Nostrand Reinhold Company, London, 1973, pp. vi+ 154, price &5.50 cloth and
L2.95 paper.

As molecular spectroscopy plays an increasingly important role in chemistry,


it is essential that the modern chemist is able to interpret the information made
avaiIabIe and to recognise the potential of a particular technique. The problem
exercises presented in this book provide a stimulating means of achieving these
aims.
The 1 I5 problems are graded in order of difficulty within the three sections -
Inorganic, Organometallic and Organic. Many of the problems are quantitative
and answers are provided where appropriate. Many of them are based on current
research material and original references are included.
This book is a usefut source of supplementary materiaI for undergraduates
and early postgraduates_ It will help in the evaluation and effective use of the wide
range of spectroscopic methods now avaiIabIe for the soIution of chemical problems.

J. W.

SpeciaZist Periodical Reports - Electrochemistry, Vol. 4, senior reporter H. R.


THZRSK, The ChemicaI Society, London, 1974, pp. xi -t 349, price L9.00.

Though the fourth in the series, this volume marks the debut of Professor
Thirsk as Senior Reporter, succeeding as he does Professor Hilts. Ln the process,
one can, I think, already discern a slight change of emphasis. The volume begins

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