Because symmetry arguments are a powerful tool in teaching such concepts as hybridization, group and molecular orbitals, selection rules in absorption spectroscopy, crystal structure, and other topics, a book devoted exclusively to symmetry in chemistry, developed in an essentially nonmathematical way, is a must for students and research workers interested in these subjects. This is such a book. After an introduction to symmetry, the authors offer lucid discussions of symmetry elements and operations, multiple symmetry operations, multiplication tables and point groups, group theory, applications, and crystal symmetry. Three appendices provide complete character tables, tables of the number of normal vibrations in various symmetry species, and tables showing the direct sums of excited states and combination states of degenerate vibrations. Intended as a supplementary text for both undergraduate and graduate students who seek a broad background for understanding structural problems, this concise treatment will also appeal to the large group of practicing chemists who wish to review the applications of symmetry and group theory.
