Elements of Molecular Symmetry

A unique, much-needed introduction to molecular symmetry and group theory Elements of Molecular Symmetry takes the topic of group theory a step further than most books, presenting a quantum chemistry treatment useful for computational, quantum, physical, and inorganic chemists alike. Clearly explaining how general groups and group algebra describe molecules, Yngve Öhrn first develops the theory, then provides coverage not only for point groups, but also permutation groups, space groups, and Lie groups. With over three decades of teaching experience, Dr. Öhrn brings to the discussion unprecedented depth and clarity, incorporating rigorous topics at a level accessible to anyone with basic knowledge of calculus and algebra. This unique and timely book:
* Extends coverage to molecular orbital theory,
* Utilizes powerful examples to illustrate basic concepts
* Contains introductory material on space groups and continuous groups, including point-group character tables
* Provides a solid background for exploring the theoretical literature The Group Concept.

Preliminaries about the Symmetric Group.

Algebra Structure.

Outer and Inner Direct Products.

Subduced and Induced Representations.

Point Groups.

Character Tables of Some Point Groups.

Connection to Quantum Chemistry.

The Symmetric Group.

Groups of Constants of Motion.

Coupling of Identical Particles in a Field of Given Symmetry.

Molecular Orbital Theory.

Electron Correlation.

Molecular Vibrations.

Space Groups.

Continuous Groups.

Example of a Noncompact Group and Algebra.

Bibliography.

Problems.

Index. "Ohrn presents a quantum chemistry treatment of group theory. He Explains how general groups and group algebra describe molecules." (SciTech Book News, Vol. 24, No. 4, December 2000) YNGVE ÖHRN, PhD, is Professor of Chemistry and Physics at the University of Florida in Gainesville. He is also an editor for Wiley's International Journal of Quantum Chemistry. A unique, much-needed introduction to molecular symmetry and group theory Elements of Molecular Symmetry takes the topic of group theory a step further than most books, presenting a quantum chemistry treatment useful for computational, quantum, physical, and inorganic chemists alike. Clearly explaining how general groups and group algebra describe molecules, Yngve Öhrn first develops the theory, then provides coverage not only for point groups, but also permutation groups, space groups, and Lie groups. With over three decades of teaching experience, Dr. Öhrn brings to the discussion unprecedented depth and clarity, incorporating rigorous topics at a level accessible to anyone with basic knowledge of calculus and algebra. This unique and timely book:
* Extends coverage to molecular orbital theory,
* Utilizes powerful examples to illustrate basic concepts
* Contains introductory material on space groups and continuous groups, including point-group character tables
* Provides a solid background for exploring the theoretical literature