Tools, physical chemistry class

The theory of dynamical systems, which was marked by spectacular developments since the 1960 s, establishes that there exist large classes of nonlinear equations whose solutions show precisely this kind of behavior. Whence a growing feeling about the inevitability of complex transition phenomena in physical chemistry, and about the suitability of macroscopic physics - of which the theory of dynamical systems is the principal tool - to handle them. 

Mass spectrometry (MS) is a physical method for analysis introduced more than 100 years ago. During that period, MS applications have successfully proliferated in almost all areas of science and technology— from early studies of the structure of atoms and molecules culminating with the discovery of isotopes to characterization of planetary atmospheres and surfaces and search for extraterrestrial life. MS is an indispensable tool in organic chemistry and biochemistry for structural elucidation of various classes of natural products and synthetic compoimds. In the last quarter century, advances in MS methods and instrumentation have been at the forefront of efforts to map complex biological systems, including the human metabolome, proteome, and microbiome. 

The preceding chapters have focused on structure and its relationship to energetics, as well as the tools of mechanistic physical organic chemistry. We have presented many examples where physical principles are used to explain trends in reactivity. However, it is not until this chapter and the next that we actually explore the steps involved in common organic reactions. The only major classes of organic reactions we do not cover in these two chapters are pericyclic reactions and photochemical reactions, which we leave until Chapters 15 and 16, respectively. 

This Handbook summarizes in ten chapters all aspects of oligo- and polythiophenes as they developed over the last twenty years, from chemistry to physics and applications. It has been written by the most reknown experts in the field worldwide, from both academics and industrial origins, with a constant care of clarity through concise texts and an extensive use of figures and tables. This first review on PTs and oligomers constitutes a comprehensive tool not only for researchers but also for advanced students and anyone willing to get informations on this novel class of materials. 

---