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A kilometer wide and a millimeter deep may be the best way to describe Janes’ and Moore’s approach to all that is metal–ligand bonding. In a mere 104 pages, the authors take the reader through crystal field theory (Chapter 2); electronic spectra of octahedral complexes (Chapter 3); distorted octahedral and tetrahedral complexes (Chapters 4 and 5); magnetic properties of transition metal complexes (Chapter 6); molecular orbital theory of octahedral, square planar, and tetrahedral complexes (Chapters 8–12); bimetallic complexes (Chapter 13); charge transfer bands (Chapter 14); and point group determinations (Appendix). Most concepts are presented with limited explanations and very few examples given to help the reader. As a result in many sections the text reads like a catalog or inventory list of facts and concepts. For example in Chapter 2 on crystal field theory, the authors introduce the fundamental concepts of crystal field theory, symmetry labels for orbitals, Δ°, pairing energy, high/low spin complexes, variations in observed ionic radii, and crystal field stabilization energy—in just seven pages.
With this being said, the text is not without merit. It has many excellent figures, especially those illustrating sigma and pi bonding in the molecular orbital theory chapters. The d-orbital splitting pattern diagrams used in discussing the electronic and magnetic properties of complexes are also well constructed. In addition, the authors have “embedded” questions (with answers) throughout the text to assist readers in checking their understanding of concepts and have included end-of-chapter exercises (with answers) that require the reader to tie several concepts together.
I asked three students who had not been exposed to crystal field or molecular orbital theory of transition metal complexes to read through the text. The general consensus was: the text is of average readability but the authors should give more detailed explanations and more examples in order to present a clearer picture; the figures are well designed and helpful in understanding the material; the “embedded” questions are useful as a check but several were unanswerable given the level of detail presented in the text. When asked if they would want to use the book as their primary source for information about metal–ligand bonding, the answer was a unanimous “no”.
The bottom line is: I think the text would work well as a supplemental source or second reading for students being exposed to metal–ligand bonding for the first time or as a concise refresher for students needing to review the basics of metal–ligand bonding. However, I do not think the text would work well as the primary source for a course.
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