Contents include:

• how to describe chemical structures
• symmetry
• phase transitions and phase diagrams
• the interplay of chemical bonding-energy-structure
• factors governing the structure of ionic compounds, molecules and metals
• chemical bonding in solids - band theory
• structure of the elements
• structural principles of polyanionic, polycationic and cluster compounds
• sphere packings in metals and compounds
• solid state structures seen as arrays of linked polyhedra and as sphere packings with occupied interstices
• symmetry as an ordering principle of crystal structures
• physical properties of solids
• nanostructures

In this second edition of this popular textbook, the text has been revised and new scientific findings have been taken into consideration. For example, many recently discovered modifications of the elements have been included, most of which occur at high pressures. Particular attention is given to the treatment of symmetry throughout the book. New sections deal with quasicrystals and other not strictly crystalline solids, with phase transitions and with the electron localization function. There is a new chapter on nanostructures.

Inorganic Chemistry: A Wiley Textbook Series

This series reflects the pivotal role of modern inorganic and physical chemistry in a whole range of emerging areas, such as materials chemistry, green chemistry and bioinorganic chemistry, as well as providing a solid grounding in established areas such as solid state chemistry, coordination chemistry, main group chemistry and physical inorganic chemistry.