Abstract
Symmetry underlies the laws of nature and its study can often offer unique insights into many problems. The recognition and application of molecular symmetry is essential for understanding many branches of theoretical chemistry and spectroscopy. It can, for example, help us to understand spectroscopic selection rules, guide us in molecular orbital theory, or make understanding chemical reactions easier. Very often it provides strikingly simple answers for complex questions.
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Suggested Reading
Altmann, S. L., and P. Herzig, Point Group Theory Tables. Oxford University Press, Oxford, 1994. This contains all point group tables, symmetry operations, results of multiplications, matrix representations, and examples showing how to use the tables.
Atkins, P. W., M. S. Child, and C. S. G. Phillips, Tables for Group Theory. Oxford University Press, Oxford, 1984. This is a comprehensive yet small compilation of point group tables, correspondance of groups, multiplications.
Bunker, P. R., Molecular Symmetry and Spectroscopy. Academic Press, New York, 1979. This is a systematic and very detailed treatment of the subject.
Cotton, E.A., Chemical Application of Group Theory, 3rd. ed. Wiley, New York, 1990. This is a readable book for chemists without much math, but surveying the entire field of chemistry.
Davidson, G., Group Theory for Chemists. Macmillan, London, 1991. Presents practical aspects with many examples.
Hargittai, I., and Hargittai, M., Symmetry Through the Eyes of a Chemist, 2nd ed. Plenum Press, New York 1995. An enjoyable book with many examples and illustrations, showing the unifying power of symmetry in nature and life.
Harris, D. C., and Bertolucci, M. D., Symmetry and Spectroscopy. Oxford University Press, New York 1978. An introduction to vibrational and electronic spectroscopy through the use of group theory.
Hollas, J. M., Symmetry in Molecules. Chapman and Hall, London, 1972. An excellent book for the undergraduate level.
Smeyers, Y. G., “Introduction to Group Theory for Non-Rigid Molecules”, in Advances in Quantum Chemistry, Vol. 24. Academic Press, New York, 1992. Presents an advanced theory.
Weyl, H., Symmetry. Princeton University Press, Princeton, New York, 1952. This is a classic book about the role of symmetry in art, science, and nature.
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Veszprémi, T., Fehér, M. (1999). Fundamentals of Group Theory. In: Quantum Chemistry. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-4189-9_1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-4189-9_1
Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA
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