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. 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

Table of Contents

The Electronic Structure of the Atom: A Review An Overview of the Periodic Table Covalent Bonding Metallic Bonding Ionic Bonding Inorganic Thermodynamics Acids and Bases Oxidation and Reduction Periodic Patterns Hydrogen The Group 1 Elements: The Alkali Metals The Group 2 Elements: The Alkaline Earth Metals The Group 13 Elements The Group 14 Elements The Group 15 Elements The Group 16 Elements The Group 17 Elements: The Halogens The Group 18 Elements: The Noble Gases Transition Metal Complexes Properties of the 3d Transition Metals The Group 12 Elements Organometallic Chemistry The Rare Earth and Actinoid Elements - web Appendices

Author Biography

GEOFF RAYNER-CANHAM, Sir Wilfred Grenfell College, Canada TINA OVERTON, University of Hull, UK