Inorganic and Organometallic Polymers - Textbook for Advanced Polymers

In this review the book Inorganic and Organometallic Polymers is assessed as a focused textbook for senior undergraduates and early graduate students. The bottom line: it is best for readers who need a clear, chapter-by-chapter introduction to non-conventional polymers where inorganic and organometallic units serve as repeating units. The reviewer found the book useful because it pairs necessary basic inorganic chemistry with practical discussion of polymer preparation, characterisation and applications, making it a single reference for coursework and project work.

Key Features

• Clear chapter structure: Each chapter is self-explanatory and provides background so readers can follow the topic without extensive outside reading.
• Foundational inorganic chemistry: Basic inorganic concepts needed to understand each polymer class are included, reducing the barrier for students with limited inorganic background.
• Coverage of major polymer classes: Polyphosphazenes, polysilanes, polysiloxanes, poly-thiazyl and poly-ferrocenes are discussed, giving breadth across main group and organometallic systems.
• Preparation and characterisation focus: Principles involved in synthesis and analytical approaches are explained so readers get practical insight into laboratory and research methods.
• Application discussions: The book addresses how these polymers are used, helping readers connect molecular structure to real-world function.

Who It's For

This book is aimed primarily at senior undergraduate students in chemistry, materials science or polymer engineering and early graduate students who need an introduction to non-conventional polymers containing inorganic or organometallic repeating units. It suits course use where instructors want chapters that stand alone for assigned reading and for students preparing project work.

Researchers seeking exhaustive primary literature coverage or an advanced specialist treatise may need additional monographs or review articles; likewise, casual readers without a chemistry background should consider a more general polymer textbook first to become comfortable with basic organic polymer concepts.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Comprehensive chapter-by-chapter presentation makes it easy to study individual polymer classes.
• Includes necessary basic inorganic chemistry so students do not need to consult many separate sources.
• Practical emphasis on preparation, characterisation and applications bridges theory and laboratory relevance.

Cons

• Not intended as an exhaustive specialist reference, so advanced researchers may require supplemental literature.

Specifications

Title	Inorganic and Organometallic Polymers
Author	Vadapalli Chandrasekhar
Audience level	Senior undergraduate and early graduate students
Scope	Polyphosphazenes, polysilanes, polysiloxanes, poly-thiazyl, poly-ferrocenes
Focus areas	Preparation, characterisation, applications
Approach	Self-explanatory chapters with basic inorganic chemistry background

Our Verdict

Inorganic and Organometallic Polymers is a solid, well-organised textbook for students entering the field of non-conventional polymers. Its inclusion of foundational inorganic chemistry alongside discussions of synthesis, characterisation and applications makes it good value for coursework and early research projects, while specialists will appreciate it as a concise gateway to the wider literature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this book suitable for beginners in polymer chemistry?
The book is geared to senior undergraduates and provides basic inorganic chemistry, but complete beginners may benefit from a general polymer textbook first.

Does it cover experimental methods?
Yes, the book discusses principles of preparation and characterisation to give practical context for laboratory work.

Are advanced research topics included?
Major polymer classes and applications are covered, but readers seeking exhaustive specialist detail should consult additional review articles and monographs.