Main Group Chemistry covers the chemistry of the s- and p-block
elements, together with a brief chapter on the chemistry of zinc,
cadmium and mercury, often classified as main group elements rather than
as transition elements. The Periodic Table is an important predictive
tool in main group chemistry and in this book, forms the basis for
describing the trends and variations in the chemistry of the elements.
Introductory material covers the basic principles behind the Periodic
Table, bonding, electronegativity and VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair
Repulsion) theory. The chemistry of various groups of elements is then
discussed. The book incorporates a valuable chapter on inorganic
polymers, discussing the chemistry of materials such as silicates,
silicones, phosphazenes and diamond. Additional material is available on
the website at www.rsc.org/tct Ideal for the needs of undergraduate
chemistry students, Tutorial Chemistry Texts is a major series
consisting of short, single topic or modular texts concentrating on the
fundamental areas of chemistry taught in undergraduate science courses.
Each book provides a concise account of the basic principles underlying
a given subject, embodying an independent-learning philosophy and
including worked examples.