The Third Edition of Symmetry and Structure: Readable Group Theory for Chemists builds on the foundation of the second edition presenting all aspects of group theory relevant to chemists. By using a diagrammatical approach and demonstrating the physical principles involved in understanding group theory the book provides a non-mathematical, yet thorough, treatment of this important topic.


This new edition has been fully revised and updated to enhance its accessibility. It focuses on the applications and concepts of group theory, rather than the detailed mathematics associated with the subject. The mathematical appendix has been written at an accessible level and character tables have been given a pictorial interpretation in order to offer a deeper insight into the nature of irreducible representations.

* pictorial representation of character tables

* large number of diagrams and tables for ease of reading and to enhance student understanding

* problems and summaries included in each chapter

* all the applications of group theory covered are applied to the water molecule initially to enable greater student understanding


important topics normally regarded as 'advanced', such as complex characters, spherical symmetry, double groups (odd-electron systems), spin-orbit coupling and space groups are presented in a readable but insightful manner