Descriptive Inorganic, Coordination, and Solid State Chemistry

This class-tested text introduces the basics of coordination, solid state, and descriptive main-group chemistry in a uniquely accessible manner, featuring a "less is better than more" approach. The approach offers instructors the opportunity to build upon and present concepts and applications that they find particularly important and fascinating. Consistent with the philosophy that less is better than more, this book does not contain traditional chapters reviewing or expanding on atomic and molecular structure and other topics previously and adequately developed in most introductory courses. As a result, the book moves directly into the presentation of topics central to inorganic chemistry. Written for students, with a conversational prose that is enjoyable and easy to understand, this book presents not only the basic theories and methods of inorganic chemistry (in three self-standing sections), but also a great deal of the history and the applications of the discipline. The author's presentation does not assume prerequisites of organic or physical chemistry.

This proven book introduces the basics of coordination, solid-state, and descriptive main-group chemistry in a uniquely accessible manner, featuring a "less is more" approach. Consistent with the "less is more" philosophy, the book does not review topics covered in general chemistry, but rather moves directly into topics central to inorganic chemistry. Written in a conversational prose style that is enjoyable and easy to understand, this book presents not only the basic theories and methods of inorganic chemistry (in three self-standing sections), but also a great deal of the history and applications of the discipline. This edition features new art, more diversified applications, and a new icon system. And to better help readers understand how the seemingly disparate topics of the periodical table connect, the book offers revised coverage of the author's "Network of Interconnected Ideas" on new full color endpapers, as well as on a convenient tear-out card.

Dr. Glen E. Rodgers is a Professor Emeritus of Chemistry at Allegheny College in Meadville, PA. Educated at Tufts University (BS, 1966) and Cornell University (PhD, 1971), he taught for five years at Muskingum College in Ohio before moving to Allegheny where he taught from 1975 to 2005. He taught introductory chemistry on several levels, chemistry for nurses, chemistry for non-science majors, a "First Seminar" entitled "The Making of the Atomic Bomb: More Bang for Your Buck", a "Sophomore Seminar" entitled "Communicating Chemistry," inorganic chemistry (on both the sophomore and advanced undergraduate levels), and numerous interdisciplinary courses with colleagues in history, education, English, philosophy, psychology, and economics. He has received a variety of teaching honors including the 1993 Julian Ross Award, presented by Allegheny College "for singular accomplishments and contributions through excellence in teaching." He and his wife have led or co-led several Allegheny travel seminars to places such as England, Scotland, Paris, Switzerland, Germany, Norway, Sweden, the Czech Republic, Poland and Russia. Now a full time writer, his current and future projects include a book with the working title "Traveling with the Atom." He lives with his wife Kathleen in southern New Hampshire. They are the parents of three daughters, Jennifer, Emily, and Rebecca.

1. The Evolving Realm of Inorganic Chemistry. PART 1: COORDINATION CHEMISTRY. 2. An Introduction to Coordination Chemistry. 3. Structures of Coordination Compounds. 4. Bonding Theories for Coordination Compounds. 5. Rates and Mechanisms of Reactions of Coordination Compounds. 6. Applications of Coordination Compounds. PART 2: SOLID-STATE CHEMISTRY. 7. Solid-State Structures. 8. Solid-State Energetics. PART 3: DESCRIPTIVE CHEMISTRY OF THE REPRESENTATIVE ELEMENTS. 9. Building a Network of Ideas to Make Sense of the Periodic Table. 10. Hydrogen and Hydrides. 11. Oxygen, Aqueous Solutions, and the Acid-Base Character of Oxides and Hydroxides. 12. Group 1A: The Alkali Metals. 13. Group 2A: The Alkaline-Earth Metals. 14. The Group 3A Elements. 15. The Group 4A Elements. 16. Group 5A: The Pnicogens. 17. Sulfur, Selenium, Tellurium, and Polonium. 18. Group 7A: The Halogens. 19. Group 8A: The Noble Gases.