Molecular Clusters
A Bridge to Solid-State Chemistry

Describes the structure and bonding of clusters with an approach to solid-state materials, effectively bridging the conceptual gap between them.

Thomas Fehlner (Author), Jean-Francois Halet (Author), Jean-Yves Saillard (Author)

9780521852364, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 5 July 2007

390 pages, 351 b/w illus. 59 exercises
25.5 x 18 x 2.3 cm, 0.918 kg

'The book is successfully targeted at advanced undergraduates and graduate students in chemistry. …the book will also be valuable to those looking for real materials with potential applications in fields such as magnetism, opto-electronics and energy storage.' Chemistry World

Clusters can be viewed as solids at the nano-scale, yet molecular cluster chemistry and solid state chemistry have traditionally been considered as separate topics. This treatment has made it conceptually difficult to appreciate commonalities of structure and bonding between the two. Using analogous models, this is the first book to form a connecting bridge. Although the focus is on clusters, sufficient attention is paid to solid-state compounds at each stage of the development to establish the interrelationship between the two topics. Comprehensive coverage of cluster types by composition, size and ligation, is provided, as is a synopsis of selected research. Written in an accessible style and highly illustrated to aid understanding, this book is suitable for researchers in inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry, materials science, and condensed matter physics.

Preface. 1. Introduction
2. Main group clusters - geometric and electronic structure
3. Transition metal clusters - geometric and electronic structure
4. Isoglobal relationships between main group and transition metal fragments - connections to organometallic chemistry
5. Main group-transition metal clusters
6. Transition to the solid state
7. From molecules to extended solids
8. Interconversion of clusters and solid state materials
Appendix. Fundamental concepts - a concise review: 1. Elements
2. Atomic properties
3. Homoatomic substances
4. Heteroatomic substances
Index.

Subject Areas: Materials science [TGM], Inorganic chemistry [PNK], Condensed matter physics [liquid state & solid state physics PHFC]