The chemistry of dissolved inorganic carbon in seawater is reviewed and used to predict the potential effect of rising levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. In agreement with more detailed treatments, we find that calcium carbonate (aragonite) may become unsaturated in cold surface seawater by the year 2100 C.E., resulting in the destruction…

Discusses the stability of the structures of transition metal complexes (primarily carbonyls and organometallic compounds) having 18 electrons or less in their valence shell. Presents molecular orbital diagrams for various structures involving alpha and pi bonding and describes the conditions under which the 18 electron rule applies. (RR)

Compares the coulumbic point charge model for hydrogen chloride with the valence bond model. It is not possible to assign either a nonpolar or ionic canonical form of the valence bond model, while the covalent-ionic bond distribution does conform to the point charge model. (JM)

Compares Schoenflies and Hermann-Mauguin notations of symmetry. Although the former (used by spectroscopists) and latter (used by crystallographers) both describe the same symmetry, there are distinct differences in the manner of description which may lead to confusion in correlating the two notations. (Author/JN)

Discusses the factors affecting the behavior of a spectral function. Lists some important properties of Fourier transform (FT) pairs that are helpful when using the FT. Notes that these properties of the mathematical formulation have identical counterparts in the physical behavior of FT systems. (TW)

Supplies information to answer typical student questions relating to the significance of "plus" and "minus" superscripts used for electronic states of linear molecules. (SK)

Describes the historical development, performance characteristics (sample requirements, analysis time, ionization characteristics, speciation capabilities, and figures of merit), and applications of laser microprobe mass spectrometry. (JN)