Descriptive Inorganic Chemistry

by Geoffrey W. Rayner-Canham, Tina Overton

This bestselling text introduces descriptive inorganic chemistry in a less rigorous, less mathematical way. The book uses the periodic table as basis for understanding chemical properties and uncovering relationships between elements in different groups. Unique in Descriptive Inorganic Chemistry is the chapter tying numerous trends and commonalities between the groups.

Rayner-Canham and Overton's text also familiarizes students with the historical background of inorganic chemistry as well as with its crucial applications (especially in regard to industrial processes and environmental issues), resulting in a comprehensive appreciation and understanding of the field and the role it will play in their fields of further study.

Genres: Textbooks, Science, Chemistry

569 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Remus Rimbu · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good textbook for an overview of the periodic table, the elements, the trends of the periodic table, and the main compounds and reactions of these elements (excluding carbon).

[W · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book. The pages were glossy, which I appreciated. (I add that because despite what you might think, not all textbooks have glossy pages and I for one don't want to read books without glossy pages). I also really liked the large periodic table at the beginning of the book. The sections were divided in an organized manner and I enjoyed reading the book. There were some interesting stories and funny incidents in the histories of the elements that made studying fun. The downside, however, is that there is a somewhat heavy emphasis on MO theory (I'm an atheist on this subject) and some sections introduce things but neglect to explain them. In some cases, I'd end up emailing the professor to ask what the book was trying to say at certain points. Overall, though, it is a good book.

[Jeyabharath]

good