Atoms in Molecules: A Quantum Theory (International Series of Monographs on Chemistry) - Hardcover

Bader, Richard F. W.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0198551681 ISBN 13: 9780198551683

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 1991

Synopsis

The molecular structure hypothesis--the proposition that a molecule is a collection of atoms linked by a network of bonds--provides the principal means of ordering and classifying observations in chemistry. It is not, however, directly related to the physics which govern the motions of atomic nuclei and electrons. This important book develops a theory establishing that molecular structure--with properties predicted and defined by the laws of quantum mechanics--can be explained in terms of underlying physics. As a result, the classification based upon the concept of atoms in molecules is freed from its empirical constraints and the full predictive power of quantum mechanics can be incorporated into the resulting theory--a theory of atoms in molecules. Eminently accessible and readable, this unique book will interest all physical scientists who use the concepts of atoms, bonds, and structure in the interpretation of their work.

About this title

About the Author:

Richard F. W. Bader is at McMaster University.

Review:

"Presents an account of the theory that molecules are made up of atoms held together by bonds, addressed to scientists in a wide range of fields who perform experiments and collect observations on matter at the atomic level. It's true that this very theory has formed the basis of these very scientists' work for a century now, but it has never been quantified sufficiently to provide a mathematical assurance that those atoms are really there. A mathematical demonstration of the theory would free it from its empirical restraints and release the full predictive power of quantum mechanics. Each chapter increases in difficulty, so that readers can drop out when they reach their limit, go on to the next chapter, and end up with a full view of the argument." --University Press Book News

"Overall, Atoms in Molecules: A Quantum Theory is a very comprehensive monograph that I would strongly recommend not just to quantum chemists but also to anyone interested in a systematic and mathematically rigorous approach to understanding chemical and physical properties of molecules. Those who are not familiar with Bader's theory and manage to work through the formidable mathematics will appreciate its formal elegance and conceptual beauty. Those who know the theory and would like to have a convenient compendium with all the relevant equations and references handy will be equally satisfied.." --Science

"This book constitutes an authoritative and rigorous treatment of the quantum mechanics of atoms in molecules. . . .Mathematical aspects are well presented and rigorous derivations are given at the end of each chapter. . . .Clearly a must for chemistry and physics libraries alike." --Contemporary Physics

"A significant, highly scholarly, contribution." --Times Higher Education Supplement

"Very useful and detailed." --Journal of the American Chemical Society

About this edition

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 1991
• ISBN 10: 0198551681
• ISBN 13: 9780198551683
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 456