Jahn-Teller Effect and Vibronic Interactions in Modern Chemistry

The first half of the title of this book may delude the uninitiated reader. The term '"e;Jahn-Teller effect,"e; taken literally, refers to a special effect inherent in particular molecular systems. Actually, this term implies a new approach to the general problem of correlations between the structure and properties of any molecular polyatomic system, including solids. Just such a new approach, or concept (in some sense, a new outlook or even a new way of thinking), which leads not to one special effect but to a series of different effects and laws, is embodied in the many ( ~ 4000) studies devoted to the investigation and application of the Jahn-Teller effect. The term "e;vibronic interactions"e; seems to be most appropriate to the new concept, and this explains the origin of the second half of the title. The primary objective of this book is to present a systematic develop- ment of the concept of vibronic interactions and its applications, and to illustrate its possibilities and significance in modern chemistry. In the first three chapters (covering about one-third of the book) the theoretical background of the vibronic concept and Jahn-Teller effect is given. The basic ideas are illustrated fully, although a comprehensive presentation of the theory with all related mathematical deductions is beyond the scope of this book. In the last three chapters the applications of theory to spectro- scopy, stereochemistry and crystal chemistry, reactivity, and catalysis, are illustrated by a series of effects and laws.