Group Theory for Chemists

Written primarily for undergraduate chemists, this volume covers the essential group theory encountered in chemistry degree courses, with emphasis on the application of theory. The book begins with a discussion of symmetry elements and operations, groups and their basic properties, the role of matrices and how groups are represented. The introductory chapters are then followed by a discussion of reducible and irreducible representations before the application of group theory to vibrational and electronic spectroscopy is explained. The book concludes with a discussion of orbital symmetry and its affect on chemical reactions.