02/26/2004 -
Metal Complexes and Metals in Macromolecules: Synthesis, Structures, and Properties (2003)
edited by Dieter Wöhrle and Anatoli D. Pomogailo
ISBN 3-527-30499-1. Wiley-VCH, Weinheim, Germany. 2003. Hardcover. 667 pages. $215.
| REVIEWED BY: | Gary Vardon, Occupational Safety and Health Administration
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Metal Complexes and Metals in Macromolecules: Synthesis, Structures and Properties is a monumental book. The topic of metals reacting with polymers is broad, as there are many metals, many polymers, and many ways they can react. Thinking of the number of different reactions is a stimulus to the chemical imagination. The book is a testament to the creativity of chemists in synthesizing novel metal macromolecules. Not only are the structures of the metal macromolecules shown, but also discussed are certain properties and the synthesis of the macromolecules. The book covers a multitude of state-of-the-art topics, some of which are useful as well as being of scientific importance.
Among the topics covered are sensors, especially oxygen sensors; catalysis, including water-soluble macromolecule metal catalysts; hydrogenation by macromolecules; artificial photosynthesis; membrane gas separation; facilitated oxygen transport; and facilitated olefin transport for the separation of olefins from paraffins, which could result in much less energy use in petrochemical distillation.
The text emphasizes pure chemical science, as the title suggests. Many novel structures are described and shown, but this is not a book of structural determination. Electrochemistry, an-often neglected subject, is included, along with a discussion of voltammetry, that most important tool of the electrochemist. Porphyrin and other biological macromolecule complexes have chapters devoted to them.
Pomogailo has devoted a chapter to the kinetics and thermodynamics of macromolecule complexes. Some of the equations in this chapter seem a bit obscure and could use further elaboration, perhaps with solved examples. However, the chemical thermo and kinetics are not so large a part of the book as to deter a reader who has little taste for these subjects. The book reflects that chemistry is an experimental science by describing a number of experiments. Can polymers be made to interpenetrate? What is a nanocomposite? How are metallocenes incorporated into polymers? How can macromolecules be used in catalysis? These and many other profound questions are addressed. The discerning reader can uncover many nuggets of chemical wisdom. For example, in Chapter 15 page 654 it is stated, “Systematic studies on artificial combinations of metal ions, metal complexes and metals with macromolecules began only about sixty years ago.” Another quote from Chapter 15 page 659 “Furthermore, metal macromolecular preparation requires a high skill in synthesis and is often a time-consuming and unprofitable process.” The language and arguments in the book are readily understandable and appropriate for the topic. Excessive jargon is avoided, and the book is amply referenced. The numerous papers from diverse journals and books cited in each chapter indicate a good survey of the field. Even a quick look at the book titles cited shows the tremendous amount of work done by many scientists in understanding the reactions of metals with macromolecules and of the authors of this volume in incorporating this knowledge in their work. The index and organization of the book allows finding information easily in this monograph. The many superb figures supplement the text and really help in understanding the subject. Of course, this volume is tailored for polymer and transition metal chemists but it will interest anyone with a background and interest in chemistry, material science, or related areas. This treatise is not filled with pervasive nonstop humor, human interest stories, spiritually uplifting lessons, sex, or violence. This is a chemistry book, after all, and a darn good one. However, a few photographs would be a nice addition.
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