Fundamentals of Molecular Symmetry [Paperback]

Winner of a 2005CHOICEOutstanding Academic Book Award

Molecular symmetry is an easily applied tool for understanding and predicting many of the properties of molecules. Traditionally, students are taught this subject using point groups derived from the equilibrium geometry of the molecule.

Fundamentals of Molecular Symmetryshows how to set up symmetry groups for molecules using the more general idea of energy invariance. It is no more difficult than using molecular geometry and one obtains molecular symmetry groups.

The book provides an introductory description of molecular spectroscopy and quantum mechanics as the foundation for understanding how molecular symmetry is defined and used. The approach taken gives a balanced account of using both point groups and molecular symmetry groups. Usually the point group is only useful for isolated, nonrotating molecules, executing small amplitude vibrations, with no tunneling, in isolated electronic states. However, for the chemical physicist or physical chemist who wishes to go beyond these limitations, the molecular symmetry group is almost always required.

PART 1: SPECTROSCOPY AND THE QUANTUM STATES OF MOLECULES
Molecular spectroscopy
Quantum mechanics
Electronic states
Vibrational states
Rotational states

PART 2: SYMMETRY AND SYMMETRY GROUPS
Geometrical symmetry
The symmetry of the Hamiltonian
The symmetry of rigid molecules

PART 3: APPLICATIONS OF SYMMETRY
Nuclear spin, statistical weights and hyperfine structure
The symmetry of electronic wavefunctions
The symmetry of rotation-vibration wavefunctions
Symmetry selection rules for optical transitions
The symmetry groups of non-rigid molecules

PART 4: OTHER SYMMETRIES AND SYMMETRY VIOLATION
Other symmetries
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