[Letters to the Editor]

Abstract

I AM still not convinced that the equivalence of the two oxygens in the nitro group is “established” by the zero dipole moment of p-dinitrobenzene, nor does the existence of two electrons with parallel spin in the ground level of the oxygen molecule prove that the molecule is unsymmetrical. It is also true that the “generally accepted deductions” from crystallographic evidence are in favour of the existence of the complex cations [Co.6NH₃]⁺⁺⁺ and [Ni.6NH₃]⁺⁺ as well as of the complex anion [SiF₆]^--. It is perhaps desirable to add that, since the note was written, my doubt whether the theoretical views of the authors of the paper would hold water when subjected to a critical examination has been confirmed by consultation with theoretical physicists, who concur in the view that the chemical deductions are based upon an inexact interpretation of current physical theories.