This concise textbook meets several objectives. First, the topics included were selected in order to provide essential information in the major areas of inorganic chemistry (molecular structure, acid-base chemistry, coordination chemistry, ligand field theory, solid state chemistry, etc.). These topics form the basis for competency in inorganic chemistry at a level commensurate with the one semester course taught at most colleges and universities.

The second objective has been to stress fundamental principles in the discussion of several topics. For example, the hard-soft interaction principle is employed in discussion of acid-base chemistry, stability of complexes, solubility, and predicting reaction products.

Third, the presentation of topics is made with an effort to be clear and concise so that the book is portable and user friendly. This book presents in convenient form a readable account of the essentials of inorganic chemistry that can serve as both as a textbook for a one semester course upper level course and as a guide for self study.

Figures, tables, and end-of-chapter problems round out this pedagogically rich, thematically balanced text for advanced undergraduate and graduate level students.

. Concise coverage maximizes student understanding and minimizes the inclusion of details students are unlikely to use.

. Discussion of elements begins with survey chapters focused on the main groups, while later chapters cover the elements in greater detail.

. Each chapter opens with narrative introductions and includes figures, tables, and end-of-chapter problem sets.