Customer Reviews

Molecular Vibrations: The Theory of Infrared and Raman Vibrational Spectra (Dover Books on Chemistry)

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4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
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In this one, Wilson writes definitively, math/scientifically, and with sincerity of purpose. Don't get confused by the word 'theory.' There's as much math in here as Born and Wolf's P of O. The only diffenrence is Wilson's is much more algebra-based. The mathematics (i.e. isomorphs) is 'taught', without breaking the flow, and is not assumed that you know the stuff already--- or can find it somewhere else. This book stands out because there is more science in here than names of scientists, and his references are for real. I would also say it was unique because books with titles like 'Molecular Vibrations' are usually skipped over for titles like 'mechanics' or 'quantum theory.' Spectroscopy was a major advancement in science, and it is good to see it skillfully treated with enlightening clarity.

Reissue of original, which was published in 1955, in the pre-computer age. Solid QM description of vibrating polyatomic molecules, and their interaction with EM radiation. The authors exploit group theory (molecular symmetry) to reduce the calculational work as much as possible. Good introduction to the use of finite groups, e.g. how to exploit the hexagonal symmetry of the benzene molecule.

This is the original work by E.B.Wilson where the G and F matrix formalism is presented. The G matrix, related to kinetic vibrational energy is built uppon the elements of the B matrix defined from "internal coordinates". Many quantum chemistry software packages use this exact methodology to build normal coordinates. For those working on Quantum Chem Molecular Orbital calculations, this book is a must.

There is no cheaper book devoted to elementary vibrational analysis. A must-read for quantum chemists.

This is a classical book on the subject of molecular vibrations. People interested in molecular spectroscopy or Quantum Chemistry should read it. Excellent book!

It is probably the best book about molecular vibrations, cited in many other books.
It treats complex arguments with rigour but at the same time it is able to explain them clearly.

It seems that molecular vibrations is a topic which is treated on two levels these days: simple harmonic oscillators in undergraduate P-chem, and then maybe some calculations in a quantum chemistry program. Ended up in a research group where you need to know this stuff? Want to know what is going on "under the hood" of Gaussian? What's a normal coordinate? You mean I can determine frequencies without DFT? All your burning questions answered! The study of molecular vibrations is one of the pillars modern chemistry, and there is no substitute for this book.

Yes, it is a little old fashioned (it has instructions for making analog integration circuits!), but really there is no better source. One thing though: set aside some time and really READ it. All the words. There are many gems scattered throughout, and if you just equation-hop you'll miss out on a lot. It has the same excellent price and nice (not fancy but hey, its not meant to sit on your shelf...read it!) printing you expect from Dover. They should get a Nobel prize for being the only non-criminal science publishers out there these days.