This book, divided into two parts, now in its second edition, presents the basic principles of group theory and their applications in chemical theories. While retaining the thorough coverage of the previous edition, the book in Part I, discusses the symmetry elements, point groups and construction of character tables for different point groups. In Part II, it describes the concept of hybridization to explain the shapes of molecules and analyzes the character tables to predict infrared and Raman active vibrational modes of molecules. It also brings into fore the molecular orbital theory and the techniques of group theory to interpret bonding in transition metal complexes and their electronic spectra. Finally, the book describes the crystal symmetry in detail as well as the Woodward–Hoffmann rules to determine the pathways of electrocyclic and cycloaddition reactions.

[Source: PHI]