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- LP Research Notebooks, RNB 09, pp. 058-059 RE: Electron diffraction data-Isobutene
- Letter from LP to Professor Peter Debye. [Filed under: Debye, Peter, 1930-1950: Box #90.1]
December 1, 1936
Professor P. Debye
Kaiser Wilhelm Institut fur Physik
Berlin-Dahlen
Dear Professor Debye:
I wish to extend my sincere congratulations to you for your receipt of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. In this I am joined by many of your friends and former students here, including Dr. Degard from Liege.
With greetings to your family also, I am
Cordially yours,
Linus Pauling
LP:mrl
- Letter from LP to Professor W. A. Noyes RE: LP responds to many questions in Noyes last letter. [Noyes letter: November 25, 1936] [Filed under: N: Individual Correspondence, Box #279.3]
- Letter from P. R. Gast to LP RE: Asks LP for a copy of his original paper of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, Vol. 16, 1930. [Filed under: G: Correspondence, 1936-1956, Box #140.1]
- Letter from Robert A. Millikan to LP, RE: Says that he is glad that they see the matters of the invitation to Princeton and the Baker Lectureship the same. Explains that the only uncertainty he has is whether LP will be off on pay, or off without pay for the Baker Lectureship. [Letter from LP to Millikan, 11-30-1936] [Filed under LP Personal Safe: Drawer 2, Folder 2.005.25]
- AHP writes cheque to: Star News amount $2.40 [Filed under LP Biographical: Box #4.013, Folder #2]
- LP writes cheque to: Sears Roebuck amount $5.40 [Filed under LP Biographical: Box #4.013, Folder #2]
- Letter from T. R. Hogness, University of Chicago, to LP RE: Informs LP that beginning next January there will be a vacancy in the group working on the spectroscopic biological investigations. Asks LP if he may recommend an organic chemist who would be interested and suited for this position. [Filed under: H: Individual Correspondence, Box #162.4]
- Letter from V. M. Goldschmidt to LP RE: Thanks LP for his letter of November 12th and for his recommendation of Professor Zachariasen. [Filed under: G: Individual Correspondence, Box #136.19]
- Letter from Charles W. Stillwell to LP RE: Thanking LP for agreeing to read over his manuscript. He reminds LP that he want to emphasize the covalent bond rather than to "explain" many thing by assuming polarization effects. Asks that the manuscript please be returned within the next three weeks. [LP's letter: November 26, 1936, Stillwell's next letter: December 8, 1936] [Filed under: S: Correspondence, Box #377.6]
- Letter from LP to Dr. Louis Sattler RE: discusses the structural problem which was asked about in Sattler's last letter. LP suggests that the electron diffraction study of iodosobenzene would be interesting and if he needs a small amount of the substance, LP will be happy to provide it. [Sattler's letter: November 28, 1936] [Filed under: S: Correspondence, box #377.6]
- Letter from LP to Professor R.A. Millikan, RE: Asks whether arrangement regarding his pay during leave of absence has changed since his lectureship at Berkeley in 1929. Explains that his topics for lectures are X-rays and crystal structures. [Letter from Millikan to LP, December 1, 1936] [Letter from Millikan to LP, December 15, 1936] [Filed under LP Personal Safe: Drawer 2, Folder 2.005.24]
- Letter from R. H. Fowler to LP RE: Enquires on how Fowler's proposal for a book on Resonance in Molecules is coming along. [LP's reply: December 16, 1936] [Filed under: F: Individual Correspondence. (Fieser-Frank) Box #120.8]
- Letter from W. C. Morgan to LP RE: Asks LP for his opinion of Dr. George W. Wheland who may be considered for an assistant professor position at the University of California at Los Angeles. [LP's reply: December 9, 1936] [Filed under: W: Individual Correspondence, Box #434.7]
- Note from W. Wheland to LP RE: On behalf of Dr. de Salas, Wheland inquires if LP knows of any openings in the U.S. At present he has been caught in between both sides of the Spanish Civil War and will not be able to return home for several years. [Filed under: W: Individual Correspondence, Box #434.7]
- Letter from LP to Arthur B. Lamb, Editor, Journal of the American Chemical Society RE: LP recommends that the manuscript by Cohn be accepted for publication. [Lamb's letter to LP November 13, 1936] [LP Science Box 14.002, Folder 2]
- AHP writes cheque to: Katharine Putnam Crane amount $85 [Filed under LP Biographical: Box #4.013, Folder #2]
- AHP writes cheque to: R. E. Croonquist amount $3.50 [Filed under LP Biographical: Box #4.013, Folder #2]
- Letter from Chemical Publishing Co. to LP RE: Explains to LP that his order of the book Inorganic Chemistry by N. Bjerrum has been referred to the company by Wm. Heinemann of London because Chemical Publishing Co. are the American agents of the book. Tells LP that the price of the book is $3.50. [Filed under C: Correspondence, 1921-1957, Box #74.4]
- Letter from T. F. Buehrer, University of Arizona, to LP RE: Explains to LP his work involving meta-, ortho-, and pyrophosphates and asks LP to indicate the characteristic features of the structure of these crystals. Also, thanks LP for his assistance on other subjects in the past. [Filed under LP Correspondence: Box #37.3, file: (B: Correspondence 1936)]
- Telegram from Papish to LP, RE: Asks him to state his preference for first or second term as Baker Lecturer. [Filed under LP Personal Safe: Drawer 2, Folder 2.005.17]
- AHP writes cheque to: Dunning's Silk Store amount $41.20 [Filed under LP Biographical: Box #4.013, Folder #2]
- Letter from C. W. Foote to LP RE: Writes to follow up on her previous letter of November 13th in which she did not receive a reply. [Filed under: F: Correspondence, 1936, Box #128.2]
- Letter from Charles W. Stillwell to LP RE: Stillwell instructs LP to not take the time to read the few chapters of the manuscript which were sent to him. He explains that he has decided not to finish it for the date planned, but instead will work hard on the other chapters to be published all together at a later date. [Filed under: S: Correspondence, Box #377.6]
- Letter from Henry Gilman to "the Authors" RE: Asks whether they have used any figures or tabular material from copyrighted sources. If so permission needs to be given from these publishers. [LP's reply: December 16, 1936] [Filed under: G: Individual Correspondence, Box #136.11]
- Letter from LP to Mr. Myron Murphey RE: LP is having sent to Murphey an application blank to fill out if he desires. LP thinks it probable that the would obtain a fellowship or assistantship for next year. [Filed under: M: Correspondence, Box #255.3]
- Letter from LP to Professor Millikan RE: LP recommends that Brockway's travel expenses be paid for from the Institute fund. [Filed under: LP Correspondence, Millikan, Robert, Box #247.1]
- Letter from LP to Dr. Charles Stillwell RE: LP provides several suggestions as to the chapters of Stillwell's manuscripts which were sent. [Filed under: S: Correspondence, Box #377.6]
- Letter from LP to Dr. E. Bright Wilson Jr. RE: Thanks Wilson for this the list of publications. LP reports that he has found a lot of new errors in the Quantum Mechanics so he thinks before too much time goes by they should revise it. [Bright's reply: December 22, 1936] [Filed under: W: Individual Correspondence, Box #438.5]
- Letter from LP to Dr. E. C. Franklin RE: LP writes to informing Franklin of the structure of ammonocarbonic acids. [Filed under: F: Correspondence, 1936, Box #128.2]
- Letter from LP to Dr. P. R. Gast RE: Sends Gast reprints of two short papers dealing with minerals related to clays. [Filed under: G: Correspondence, Box #140.1]
- Letter from LP to Henry Gilman RE: LP reports that he believes the order of his chapters are satisfactory. [Gilman's letter: November 30, 1936] [Filed under: G: Individual Correspondence, Box #136.11]
- Letter from LP to Professor Frederick G. Keyes RE: Dr. L. O. Brockway is planning to come to Cambridge for a few days. He would like to visit Keyes lab and speak with Dr. Shumb. LP asks on Brockway's behalf if they may be possible. [Filed under: K: Correspondence, Box #200.1]
- Letter from LP to Professor Millikan RE: Asking if he knows of any possible openings for van Kreveld in the California areas. [Filed under: U: Correspondence, Box #421.1]
- Letter from LP to Professor Millikan RE: Asks he knows of any openings for van Kreveld in this vicinity. [Filed under: LP Correspondence, Millikan, Robert, Box #247.1]
- Letter from LP to Professor Thorfin R. Hogness. [Filed under: H: Individual Correspondence, Box #162.4]
December 9, 1936
Professor T. R. Hogness
Kent Chemical Laboratory
University of Chicago
Chicago, Illinois
Dear Thorfin:
I do not know of any man who is especially suited for the vacancy in your group working on spectroscopic biochemical investigations. There are some good young men around here, but noe [sic] at present who is trained as an organic chemist. Moreover, your qualification that the man should have ambition and drive is a very rigorous one. In this respect I could strongly recommend Dr. Coryell, who is also deeply at present in biochemistry, although trained as a physical chemist, but I think it probable that he would not leave his magnetic investigations here unless his salary were somewhat greater than $2400. If there were a good opening for Coryell at hand, I would be willing to see him leave us next June, although I hope that he will continue the magnetic work here for another year.
With best wishes to you and Phoebe for your trip abroad, I am
Sincerely yours,
Linus Pauling
- Letter from LP to W. C. Morgan RE: LP highly recommends Dr. George W. Wheland for the assistant professor position at the University of California at L. A. LP says there is no one more qualified in both organic chemistry and quantum mechanics as he is. [Morgan's letter: December 3, 1936] [Filed under: W: Individual Correspondence, Box #434.7]
- AHP writes cheque to: Athenaeum amount $3.80 [Filed under LP Biographical: Box #4.013, Folder #2]
- AHP writes cheque to: Bode's California Lake Market amount $43.95 [Filed under LP Biographical: Box #4.013, Folder #2]
- AHP writes cheque to: C. J. Gould amount $8 [Filed under LP Biographical: Box #4.013, Folder #2]
- AHP writes cheque to: City of Pasadena amount $9.11 [Filed under LP Biographical: Box #4.013, Folder #2]
- AHP writes cheque to: Collector of Internal Revenue amount $17.69 [Filed under LP Biographical: Box #4.013, Folder #2]
- AHP writes cheque to: Connecticut Mutual Life Insurance Company amount $14.43 [Filed under LP Biographical: Box #4.013, Folder #2]
- AHP writes cheque to: F. C. Nash and Company amount $5.69 [Filed under LP Biographical: Box #4.013, Folder #2]
- AHP writes cheque to: Franchise Tax Commissioner amount $7.99 [Filed under LP Biographical: Box #4.013, Folder #2]
- AHP writes cheque to: H. A. Whipple amount $3 [Filed under LP Biographical: Box #4.013, Folder #2]
- AHP writes cheque to: Los Angeles Gas and Electric Corporation amount $6.01 [Filed under LP Biographical: Box #4.013, Folder #2]
- AHP writes cheque to: Sanitary Laundry amount $5.26 [Filed under LP Biographical: Box #4.013, Folder #2]
- AHP writes cheque to: Southern California Telephone Company amount $3.15 [Filed under LP Biographical: Box #4.013, Folder #2]
- AHP writes cheque to: Standard Oil Company amount $4.02 [Filed under LP Biographical: Box #4.013, Folder #2]
- Letter from L. D. Roberts to LP RE: Thanks LP for recommending Dr. Brockway who gave an excellent talk and congratulates LP on the important work he has been doing. [Filed under: R: Correspondence, Box #340.1]
- Letter from LP to Professor Hermann Weyl, School of Mathematics at the Institute for Advanced Study, RE: Informs Weyl that he is planning to spend the first semester of 1937-8 at Cornell as Baker Lecturer in Chemistry and since the authorities at CIT have not granted him further leave of absence, he cannot accept the invitation to come to his Institute. [Filed under LP Personal Safe: Drawer 2, Folder 2.005.29]
- Letter from LP to Professor J. Papish, Cornell University, RE: LP apologizes for having taken so long to answer Papish's invitation. He thinks he will be granted leave of absence, and says he will inform Papish when the final decision is made. [Filed under LP Safe Contents, Drawer 2, Folder 2.005.20]
- Letter from Marjorie R. Lassettre to Paul S. Davis, George H. Davis Studio RE: Lassettre finishes sending in the requests for the photographs of Professor Noyes. [Filed under: K: Correspondence, Box #200.1]
- Letter to LP from A.C. Andrews, University of Wisconsin RE: asks LP for a reprint of his paper "Structural Configuration of Native Coagulated and Denatured Proteins." [Filed under LP Correspondence: Box #12.2]
- Letter to LP from Carl L. Alsberg RE: Alsberg's interest in the structure of wheat gluten and the chemical properties of the substance. He suggests to LP that they undertake an investigation in cereal chemistry. [Filed under LP Correspondence: Box #12.2]
- LP writes cheque to: Radio Doc. amount $14.47 [Filed under LP Biographical: Box #4.013, Folder #2]
- AHP writes cheque to: Adohr Milk Farms amount $28.21 [Filed under LP Biographical: Box #4.013, Folder #2]
- Letter from C. R. Noller to LP RE: Asks LP if he would like to speak before the San Francisco Section of the American Chemical Society. The lecture would be sometime in the Winter or Spring. [LP's response: December 23, 1936] [Filed under: N: Correspondence, Box #287.3]
- Letter from F. G. Keyes to LP RE: Informs LP that he will be delighted to have Brockway visit the MIT and will see that Brockway is able to speak with Professor Shumb. [Filed under: K: Correspondence, Box #200.1]
- Letter from LP to Chemical Publishing Co, Attn. D. Fracht RE: LP asks for a copy of Inorganic Chemistry by N. Bjerrum. [Chemical Publishing Co.'s letter December 7, 1936] [Filed under: C: Correspondence, 1921-1957, Box #74.4]
- Letter from Robert A. Millikan to LP RE: Millikan tells LP that Dr. van Kreveld will be kept in mind if any openings arise however, at present there seem to be none. [Filed under: U: Correspondence, Box #421.1]
- LP writes cheque to: Lottie Stone amount $25 [Filed under LP Biographical: Box #4.013, Folder #2]
- Letter from Robert A. Millikan to LP. [Letter from LP to Millikan, 12-3-1936] [Filed under LP Personal Safe: Drawer 2, Folder 2.005.14]
CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
PASADENA
CHAIRMAN OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL December 15, 1936
Dr. Linus Pauling
C. I. T.
Dear Pauling:
At the meeting of the Executive Council last night you were given leave of absence on pay for next fall for the filling of the Baker Lectureship at Cornell.
Sincerely yours,
RAM:IH
- Letter from Arthur B. Lamb, Editor, Journal of the American Chemical Society to LP RE: Requests that LP review "A Study of the Magneto-Optice Method of Analysis" by D. C. Bond, which is a source of contention concerning whether it should be published or not. [LP's reply to Lamb December 23, 1936] [LP Science Box 14.002, Folder 2]
- Letter from Arthur B. Lamb, Editor, Journal of the American Chemical Society to LP RE: Requests that LP review the enclosed manuscript by Pearce and Eckstrom entitled "The Influence of Electrolytes on the Activity of Water." [LP's reply to Lamb February 1, 1937] [LP Science Box 14.002, Folder 3]
- Letter from LP to Dr. T. R. Buehrer, University of Arizona, RE: Tells Buehrer that he has not done any x-ray work on the sodium phosphates but suggests that they may have similar configurations to other phosphate crystals. LP passes on information regarding orthophosphates that have been studied. [Filed under LP Correspondence: Box #37.3, file: (B: Correspondence 1936)]
- Letter from LP to Henry Gilman RE: Reports that he is not using any copyrighted material. [Gliman's letter: December 8, 1936] [Filed under: G: Individual Correspondence, Box #136.11]
- Letter from LP to Professor C. K. Ingold RE: Thanks Ingold for the reprints of his investigations on benzene as they have been very helpful. Informs Ingold that Dr. Shomaker is now working in the lab and has prepared electron diffraction photographs showing several more rings that the old ones. [Filed under: I: Individual Correspondence, Box #181.3]
- Letter from LP to Professor George E. Uhlenbeck RE: LP explains that there are no openings available at CIT or in the neighboring institutions for Dr. Van Kreveld. [Filed under: U: Correspondence, Box #421.1]
- Letter from LP to Professor Millikan. [Filed under: Millikan, Robert: Box #247.1]
December 16, 1936
Dear Professor Millikan:
The plans for the proton diffraction apparatus have now been completed by Dr. Yearian, National Research Fellow in Physics, working in collaboration with Dr. Brockway and with the advice of Professor Lauritsen, and we would like to see the apparatus constructed as soon as possible. There is not enough money left in our research funds to permit them to be used for this, and in accordance with our discussion of some weeks ago I am sending the requisitions to you in order that general Institute funds may be drawn on for this purpose, if possible. The parts of the apparatus to be built at this time consist of a proton source and analyzer designed to provide a collimated beam of protons with very small spread in velocity, together with a mechanical pump and motor. These parts comprise the principal portion of the apparatus; after they have been tested a relatively inexpensive diffraction section will be added. The design of the apparatus has been approved by Professor Lauritsen who gave much advice in connection with it.
I have taken up the possibility that the apparatus be constructed in the chemistry shop and have found that because of the large number of jobs on which the mechanic is working, he would not be able to complete the construction of this apparatus within a period of much less than a year. F. C. Henson has examined the plans and has made a bid for the job, offering to construct it on a cost plus basis with a maximum price of $295. The additional expense at this time consists of a megavac pump at $125 and a motor to drive it at $25.
Dr. Yearian is anxious to continue his work, and since Henson would construct the apparatus within two and a half weeks, I recommend that the job be given to him.
Respectfully yours,
Linus Pauling
LP:mrl
- Letter from LP to Professor R. H. Fowler RE: Informs Fowler that some progress has been made on the book on Quantum Mechanics of Organic Molecules. Also, comments that everyone in the lab is pleased that Carl Anderson was given the Nobel Prize. [Filed under: F: Individual Correspondence. (Fieser-Frank) Box #120.8]
- Letter from Marjorie R. Lassettre to Paul S. Davis RE: Would like to order two more 8x10 glossy finish prints of the photograph of Professor Noyes. [Filed under: K: Correspondence, Box #200.1]
- Letter from Paul S. Davis to M. R. Lassettre RE: Thanks her for her order but asks if she wants a black and white mate of the buff matte. [Filed under: K: Correspondence, Box #200.1]
- Letter from W. A. Noyes to LP RE: Discusses various scientific studies and asks LP for his advice and suggestions in several areas. [LP's reply: December 23, 1936] [Filed under: N: Individual Correspondence, Box #279.3]
- Letter to Dr. Alsberg from LP RE: LP responds to his proposition of studying gluten and says that it is a worthwhile investigation but wishes to discuss it further when he visits the Bay Region. [Alsberg's letter to LP December 10, 1936] [Filed Under LP Correspondence: Box #12.2]
- Letter from Arthur B. Lamb, Editor, Journal of the American Chemical Society to LP RE: Requests that LP prepare a brief review of "Lichtzerstreuung im Gebiete des sichtbaren Spektrums (A)" by H. A. Stuart. "Kohrente Streuung von Rntgenstrahlen an Atomen und Molekulen (B)" by H. G. Trieschmann (Hand- u. Jahrbuch d. chemischen Physik Bd. 8. Abschn. II), etc. "X, 191 S. m. 76 Abb. Mit Bandtitel 8 II/III u. Tabelle als Beilage." Published by Akademische Verlagsgesellschaft m. b. H., Leipzig, 1936. [LP's reply to Lamb December 23, 1936] [LP Science Box 14.002, Folder 2]
- Letter from LP to Professor J. Papish, Chemistry Department at Cornell University. [Filed under LP Personal Safe: Drawer 2, Folder 2.005.16]
December 17, 1936
Professor J. Papish
Chemistry Department
Cornell University
Ithaca, New York
Dear Professor Papish:
I am very glad to write that I was granted leave of absence for the Fall term of 1937-8 by the Executive Council of this Institute yesterday, and that I accordingly accept your Invitation to me to deliver the Baker Lectures at that time. The lectures will cover the general field of valence and molecular structure, and the series may be given the title "The Nature of the Chemical Bond". I plan to arrive in Ithaca shortly before September 30th, 1937.
I wish to apologize for our delay in reaching this decision, and to express my thanks to you and your colleagues for inviting me to Cornell.
Sincerely yours,
Linus Pauling
LP:mrl
- Letter from William Parrish to LP RE: Asks LP for a set of reprints of his article on crystal structure. [LP's reply: December 23, 1936] [Filed under: P: Correspondence, Box #321.1]
- AHP writes cheque to: Nellie Durby amount $3.10 [Filed under LP Biographical: Box #4.013, Folder #2]
- LP writes cheque to: Hillside Flower Shop amount $4.89 [Filed under LP Biographical: Box #4.013, Folder #2]
- Letter from H. I. Schlesinger, University of Chicago, to LP RE: Requesting LP's opinion of Dr. G. W. Wheland because he is looking for organic chemists to join his department at the University of Chicago. [Filed under: W: Individual Correspondence, Box #434.7]
- Manuscript: Valence and the Structure of Molecules, Lecture to Teacher's Institute, Pasadena, California [LP Speeches 1936s.4]
VALENCE AND THE STRUCTURE OF MOLECULES
By Linus Pauling
Lecture to Teacher's Institute, Pasadena, Friday, Dec. 18, 1936.
4:30 PM, Culbertson Hall.
1. Introduction Considering how small molecules are, and how complex the arguments used by the great chemists of the last century in formulating the theories of valence and stereochemistry on the basis of the chemical properties of substances, I never cease to admire them and to marvel at their works. The theories of valence and stereochemistry may seem to be of importance to pure chemistry only; however, when we think of the great contributions of chemistry to applied science and industry, and of the significance which chemical theories have had in this contribution, we see that the practical value of these theories can hardly be overestimated. It is the theory of valence more than anything else which has converted chemistry from an art into a science.
I do not need to mention many of the structural formulas assigned to molecules by the methods of classical stereochemistry. For methane we write [the Lewis structure of] CH3, carbon being quadrivalent and hydrogen univalent, and the four carbon bonds being tetrahedrally directed. For ethylene we write [the Lewis structure of] C2H4, the quadrivalence of carbon being retained by the introduction of a double bond. For carbon dioxide we write [the Lewis structure of] CO2, for periodic acid [the Lewis structure of] HIO4, etc.
In 1916 a great step forward was made by G.N. Lewis at Berkeley, in correlating stereochemistry and valence with electronic structure. Lewis's principle contribution consists in the identification of the covalent bond with a pair of electrons held jointly by two atoms. In most cases the Lewis electronic structures are identical with the valence-bond formula except for this change: thus [see actual manuscript for hand drawings of Lewis structures of CH4 and C2H4]. In some cases, however, Lewis preferred to keep no more than four electron pairs around an atom and so changed the formula, writing, for example, [see actual manuscript for hand drawn Lewis structure of] HIO4. We now know that for first row elements lewis's idea was right, but not in general for others.
This makes a nice scheme, as far as it goes - and it goes a long way, too. there are, however, still some questions that can be asked, some points in doubt. For example, which of the two structures above for periodic acid is the correct one? Should CO be written [two Lewis structure hand drawings of CO double and triple bonded]? Is O=C=O really right for carbon dioxide? What is the structure of nickel carbonyl, Ni(CO)4? We can write [hand drawing of Ni(CO)4, but this seems strange in several ways.
And what is the structure of benzene?
Recent developments have permitted many of these questions to be answered. These developments have consisted in the discovery and application of several new experimental methods of studying the structure of molecules, largely physical in nature, and of several new theoretical ideas, mainly growing out of the new quantum mechanics. I shall discuss in the main one new experimental method and one new idea.
2. Electron Diffraction by Gas Molecules. In order to determine the arrangement of atoms in molecules use is made of the phenomenon of diffraction. This is not a new idea - about 130 years ago Thomas Young, who shares credit with Champollion for deciphering hieroglyphics, devised an apparatus for measuring the fineness of wool by looking at the diffraction pattern of a beam of light passing through the wool. Consider a wave front striking on a diatomic molecule. We see that there is interference in some directions and reinforcement in others. Knowing λ and angles of reinforcement we could calculate d. If the molecule had all orientations, as in a gas, the diffraction pattern would be somewhat smudged, but still a pattern. this was suggested by Debye in 1915, who later used x-rays with very long exposures (days); the idea is one of those which gave him the Nobel Prize in chemistry a few days ago. In 1930 Mark and Wiezl diffracted electrons. For ten years it has been known that λ=h/mv.
[5 slides, showing waves, Brockway's apparatus, CCl4 picture.
3. Results of Diffraction Studies. the most interesting result of this work is the striking verification of the ideas of the old stereochemists. CCl4 is formed to be tetrahedral. But also CHCl3 and CH2Cl2 are tetrahedral, with angles differing from 109º28' by not more than 2º or 3º. This substantiation is found almost always.
Another result of great interest refers to inter atomic distances. C-Cl = 1.76 Å is just the mean of C-C = 1.54 Å in diamond and Cl-Cl = 1.98 Å in Cl2. Hence we can assign radii to atoms. [See actual manuscript for the radii of atoms, carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, fluorine, chlorine, and hydrogen depending on a single, double, or triple bond.]
2 slides. CCl4 etc, metaldehyde - 1.43 Å, 1.54 Å. P4, S8. It is clear that these interatomic distances provide an experimental method of studying bond type.
4. Resonance Among Several Valence-bond Structures. Now let us discuss the new idea introduced by quantum mechanics. Suppose that we ask: is it necessary that a molecule such as CO have a definite valence-bond structure? The answer, which is part of the new idea, is no; instead the CO molecule may have (and does have) a structure which is neither C = O nor CO with a triple bond, but is somewhere between them, or which rather has some aspects of both. It is customary now to speak of the molecule as resonating between these two structures. this does not mean tautomerism - there is only one kind of Co molecules in carbon monoxide gas; rather the structure is a hybrid.
The second part of the new idea is a very important one - resonance stabilizes the molecule.
Now let us consider benzene. [Drawings of two benzene.] Benzene resonates and the molecule is stabilized; this causes the double bonds to loose their unsaturated character largely. Each of the six bonds has 1/2 double-bond character.
Graphite. [Drawing of the bond-line structure of graphite.] Each 1/3 double-bond character.
- LP writes cheque to: Charles R. Service amount $22.66 [Filed under LP Biographical: Box #4.013, Folder #2]
- LP writes cheque to: Walton and Company amount $144.20 [Filed under LP Biographical: Box #4.013, Folder #2]
- LP writes cheque to: Zuma Austin amount $4.35 [Filed under LP Biographical: Box #4.013, Folder #2]
- Letter from Gerald Wendt to LP RE: Sends LP a proposed article on Molecular Vibration and Rotations by Professor O. Oldenberg of Harvard. Hopes to have this article edited and to the publisher by the 30th for the February issue. [Filed under C: Organizational Correspondence: Box #70.5]
- Letter from Marjorie R. Lassettre to Paul S. Davis RE: Informs Davis what prints she would like for the final order of the photograph of Professor Noyes and encloses a check to cover the last bill. [Filed under: K: Correspondence, Box #200.1]
- AHP writes cheque to: Weldon Stone amount $3.20 [Filed under LP Biographical: Box #4.013, Folder #2]
- Letter from G. B. Kistiakowsky to LP RE: Informs LP that because there is no means of sending him a book unless someone pays for it, he is forwarding the letter to LP in case that his publishers become interested in the case. [Filed under: K: Individual Correspondence, Box #198.14]
- LP writes cheque to: Lucile Pauling amount $5 [Filed under LP Biographical: Box #4.013, Folder #2]
- LP writes cheque to: Pauling May amount $5 [Filed under LP Biographical: Box #4.013, Folder #2]
- Letter from E. Bright Wilson Jr. To LP RE: Thanks LP for the letter concerning the their book and asks how many revisions he is talking about. Wilson will definitely recommend Stitt for membership in the Society of Fellows. [Filed under: W: Individual Correspondence, Box #438.5]
- Note from Lynn Howard to LP RE: Explains that he believes LP's suggestions about the amino carbonic acids are in accordance with his own wishes. [Filed under: H: Correspondence, Box #165.1]
- Letter from LP to Arthur B. Lamb, Editor, Journal of the American Chemical Society RE: LP cannot write the review of Stuart and Trieschmann's work as he is occupied with another review. [LP Science Box 14.002, Folder 2]
- Letter from LP to Arthur B. Lamb, Editor, Journal of the American Chemical Society RE: LP does not feel that the paper by D. C. Bond should be published. [Lamb's letter to LP December 16, 1936] [LP Science Box 14.002, Folder 2]
- Letter from LP to C. W. Foote RE: Is sorry to report that there are no copies of the Strukturbericht available. [Filed under: F: Correspondence, 1936, Box #128.2]
- Letter from LP to Dr. C. R. Noller RE: LP would like to speak before the San Francisco Section of the American Chemical Society however at this time cannot make any firm commitments as his schedule is very busy. [Noller's Letter: December 14, 1936] [Filed under: N: Correspondence, Box #287.3]
- Letter from LP to Dr. G. W. Wheland RE: LP writes that he has informed Professor Lacey about Dr de Salas but that it seems unlikely the California Company would have work for a chemist. Goes on to suggest that Dr de Salas write to the Standard Oil Company in New York. [Wheland's note: December 3, 1936] [Filed under: W: Individual Correspondence, Box #434.7]
- Letter from LP to Dr. Parrish RE: LP does not have a complete set of crystal structure reprints available but is sending those he has on hand. [Parrish's letter: December 17, 1936] [Filed under: P: Correspondence, Box #321.1]
- Letter from LP to Mr. Fogg RE: LP reports that Mr. V. Schomaker has presented a satisfactory report on the progress of his research on the determination of the structure of heterocyclic molecules by electron diffractions. [Filed under: Schomaker, Verner, Box #37.33]
- Letter from LP to Professor H. I. Schlesinger. [Filed under: W: Individual Correspondence, Box #434.7]
December 23, 1936
Professor H.I. Schlesinger
Department of Chemistry
The University of Chicago
Chicago, Illinois
Dr. G. W. Wheland is very well trained in organic chemistry in general, his knowledge of descriptive and theoretical organic chemistry being especially extensive. He has also a grasp of quantum mechanics comparable with that of the leading theoretical physicists. I feel that he is an outstanding man because of this combination of training and ability and that he will be an outstanding contributor to theoretical organic chemistry. His interests are primarily in the field of applying quantum mechanics to problems of organic chemistry. He has not carried on any extensive experimental investigations during the last three years, and I do not believe that he is particularly interested in laboratory work either in organic chemistry itself or the application of physical chemical methods to organic problems. He has a very pleasant personality and without doubt would be useful to his colleagues who desire to discuss their problems with him. He conducted an undergraduate course in organic chemistry and graduate courses in the structure of organic molecules and in group theory here; he is a good lecturer and is especially clear in his presentation.
Dr. Wheland is now in London as a Guggenheim Fellow, his address being: Chemistry Department, University College, University of London, Gower street, London, W.C.1.
Sincerely yours,
Linus Pauling
LP:mrl
- Letter from LP to Professor W. A. Noyes RE: LP approves the suggestion that Bailor be invited to write a Monograph on "Coordinated and Complex Compounds". However, it will not be possible for LP to prepare a manuscript on "Valence" for the Monograph series. [Noyes' letter: December 16, 1936] [Noyes' reply: December 26, 1936] [Filed under: N: Individual Correspondence, Box #279.3]
- AHP writes cheque to: Edwin Porter amount $8.40 [Filed under LP Biographical: Box #4.013, Folder #2]
- LP writes cheque to: Lucile Pauling amount $5 [Filed under LP Biographical: Box #4.013, Folder #2]
- LP writes cheque to: The Chemical Publishing Co., amount $3.50 [Filed under LP Biographical: Box #4.013, Folder #2]
- Letter from W. A. Noyes to LP RE: Noyes asks LP for advice regarding a letter from his son, received this morning. [LP's reply: January 7, 1937] [Filed under: N: Individual Correspondence, Box #279.3]
- Letter from Roger J. Williams to LP RE: Explains that he has succeeded in obtaining the pantothenic acid as a calcium salt and goes on to describe the work in more detail. [Filed under: Williams, Roger, J. Box #436.1]
- Letter from Oliver Wulf to LP RE: Explains that he has just returned home from Europe where he spent almost four months traveling around Germany, France and the British Isles. Wulf made many visits to various universities and met many people interested in the work being conducted in the United States. [LP's reply: January 4, 1937] [Filed under: W: Correspondence, Box #443.3]
- Letter from Lawrence Brockway to LP RE: asks for advice on working with Midgley and possible job opportunities with him and at Ann Arbor. [LP's reply January 4, 1937] [Filed under LP Correspondence: Box #31.11, file: (Brockway, Lawrence O.)]
- AHP writes cheque to: Nellie Durby amount $3.90 [Filed under LP Biographical: Box #4.013, Folder #2]
- AHP writes cheque to: Nora Gand Miller amount $10 [Filed under LP Biographical: Box #4.013, Folder #2]
- LP writes cheque to: Lottie Stone amount $25 [Filed under LP Biographical: Box #4.013, Folder #2]
- LP writes cheque to: Sanitary Laundry amount $4.05 [Filed under LP Biographical: Box #4.013, Folder #2]
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