Symmetry and Structural Determination of Inorganic Molecules and Solids

Symmetry concepts have been firmly established over the past two centuries and now constitute an essential framework in modern chemistry. Their application provides powerful tools for the interpretation of the structure, bonding, reactivity, and physical properties of chemical elements and of inorganic and organic compounds in all states of aggregation. In particular, the use of spectroscopic and diffraction techniques for structural determination requires a solid understanding of symmetry principles and of their implications for the practical application of these methods. Within this context, the present book aims to introduce the fundamental relationships between symmetry and selected techniques for structural determination in chemistry. It is intended primarily for undergraduate and Master?s-level students in chemistry, although it may also serve as a useful reference for readers seeking a concise introduction to the practical role of symmetry in structural analysis. The text begins with a brief review of point-group and space-group symmetry concepts, with the objective of facilitating the understanding of their practical applications. The theory and use of two essential tools in symmetry analysis character tables and the International Tables for Crystallography are also introduced. These concepts are subsequently applied to the interpretation of infrared and Raman spectra of molecules and solids. Further chapters address electronic spectroscopy, with particular emphasis on the analysis of UV-Vis spectra of coordination compounds and on vibrational effects, as well as multinuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. A second group of techniques focuses on diffraction and electron microscopy methods. This part includes a concise introduction to the relevant fundamentals, followed by the analysis of structure factors and their use in determining atomic coordinates within the unit cell. The final chapter presents a series of problems designed to consolidate the concepts discussed throughout the book. Detailed solutions are provided in a separate section to support teaching and facilitate independent study.